Business Secretary visits Brierfield Mill

Business Secretary, Vince Cable, takes a tour around Brierfield Mill. Coun. John David, Stephen Barnes (chief exec), Tim Webber (barnfield construction) and MP Andrew Stephenson are there to greet him.

Mr Cable visited the site of the former Smith and Nephew factory on Thursday afternoon at the end of a day in Burnley, where he visited a number of businesses and opened a multi-million pound business park.

He was shown around the three-storey building by Pendle Council chief executive Stephen Barnes, vice-chairman of the council’s Executive Coun. John David, Tim Webber from Barnfield Construction and the MPs for Pendle and Burnley, Andrew Stephenson and Gordon Birtwistle.

In December, we revealed details of the “Northlight” development plan drawn up by mill owner Pearl (Brierfield Mills) Ltd, a joint operation between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties.

This long-term project envisages converting the mill site into a variety of uses including a hotel, flats, a restaurant, a cafe, a gallery, a business centre, managed workspace and an activity centre.

There would also be a 50-berth marina on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal which passes the mill as well as a number of outdoor features.

Mr Cable said: “It is a really impressive plan. If they can combine all the aspects it has the potential for a remarkable scheme.”