Warwick Mill to become Chinese ‘trade hub’

Rochdale Council has approved the £50m conversion of a vacant 200,000 sq ft listed mill in Middleton into an exhibition centre for Chinese exporters, by Hong Kong-based developer G Suite Holdings.

Warwick Mill is a five-storey former textile mill that was built in 1907. According to planning documents, “the primary use for the proposed development will be as a trade showroom for Chinese and Asian manufacturers of household and construction‐related products looking for a ‘shop window’ in the UK and wider European markets”.

In Phase two an extension to the Mill could be built on the former site of London House, subject to planning permission

The centre would be known as Red Warwick.

Around 70% of the trading space will be targeted at trade customers and importers displaying larger products, and 30% for smaller-scale traders and local consumers. The trade centre would be open to the public.

The scheme also includes restaurants, cafes and leisure space. The large former engine room has been earmarked for major product launches and as a performance venue.

G Suite said that around 19 companies have signed up to the project following The launch in China.

Next door to the mill, the 1960s office block London House would be demolished to make way for a car park, and could potentially be used to extend the mill as part of the second phase of the scheme.

The Oval Partnership designed the project. JLL advised on planning.

According to G Suite’s website, the developer is currently bringing forward the conversion of 2 Moorfields in Liverpool into apartments, which has been associated with Isle of Man-based Miller Services, which is a subsidiary of G Suite. G Suite has also proposed a residential scheme known as Cardinal in Oldham, designed by Falconer Chester Hall.