Big plans to convert historic Burnley mill

Plans to transform Burnley’s historic Finsley Gate Mill are once again on the cards.
Finsley Mill.Finsley Mill.
Finsley Mill.

Developers St Modwen have submitted a planning application which if approved would see 12 new townhouses built on the canalside next to the mill.

Work could start later this year with the demolition of the mill extension and the retention and restoration of the original Finsley Gate Mill, which dates back to 1820, and landmark chimney for future commercial use.

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The proposals also include a new public square and the possibility of a restaurant. It is anticipated that the scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area, bringing forward further housing on the adjacent canalside, where Healey Royd Mill was situated, and complementing the proposed use of Mile Wharf. The development is expected to create 250 new jobs and significant future investment in the area.

Finsley Gate Mill developmentFinsley Gate Mill development
Finsley Gate Mill development

Steven Knowles, development director at St Modwen, said: “The Finsley Gate project provides a vision of what can be done in Burnley but remains challenging. We believe these are the right proposals to bring forward new sustainable development and investment which in turn, will lead to further regeneration of the wider area.”

St Mowden bought Finsley Gate Mill and Healey Royd Mill from shoe-maker Lambert Howarth in 2007. They were granted outline planning permission for a £20m. mixed-use development on the site, including 168 homes, offices, industrial space, a hotel, and leisure and community hubs, in May 2011.

Healey Royd Mill was subsequently demolished but the site has remained relatively untouched since then.

The developers have been working closely with Burnley Borough Council, the Prince’s Regeneration Trust and English Heritage to ensure the site retains many of its historic features.

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