The spotlight is on Northlight, Brierfield as Government Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, Greg Clark, visited last Friday.
He was the fifth minister to visit Northlight to discuss the masterplan in less than a year.
The most recent visit has been from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles MP in October.
Greg Clark MP saw exciting plans and discussed funding opportunities to transform Brierfield Mill into a major new destination for the North West.
The Minister met representatives of PEARL, the pioneering joint venture company between nationwide contractor, investor and developer Barnfield Construction and Pendle Council.
He was invited to the development by MP Andrew Stephenson and met Pendle Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Tony Greaves who together with Andrew is also supporting the lobby for Government funding. They were supported by Councillor Jennifer Mein, Leader of Lancashire County Council.
Greg Clark commented on Northlight ““I wanted to see Northlight with my own eyes. I was delighted to come.”
“It’s a beautiful part of the world that is now motoring with new jobs and more businesses.”
“It’s fantastic! There’s clear potential here for leisure, hotel and business.”
“I’ve enjoyed looking at this wonderful historic building. It has huge potential for businesses and for visitors in the future.”
“We need to have accommodation for businesses and for the jobs which are being created. This mill could play a part.”
“I’ll be raising Northlight in Parliament and what an opportunity it is. I think there’s a pressing case for it. It will be considered very seriously. It’s Government policy to get funding out of London and give places like this funding.”
“Everyone in Lancashire is behind this project!”
Tim Webber MBE, Chairman & Managing Director of Barnfield and a PEARL board member said:
“We’re delighted to be the driving force behind the development.
“Being developers based in Pendle, we’re obviously passionate about our joint venture scheme, Northlight.
“It’s an exciting project for a stunning complex of historic buildings across a site of over seven acres.
“Northlight will create hundreds of jobs and become a new destination for the North West, whilst transforming an iconic Grade 2 listed building,” he said.
Greg Clark also saw the new housing development at Quaker Heights and Holden Road whilst in Brierfield, both major projects of the pioneering PEARL company, which he described as “Beautiful”.
“The transformation of Quaker Heights from the run-down, derelict Lob Lane Mill into fantastic places to live shows how we can tackle challenging Victorian buildings in Pendle,” said Tim.
Councillor Tony Greaves said:
“This visit is very timely.
“Planning applications are already in for a hotel and an activity centre for Northlight and councillors will make a decision on them on 17 February,” he explained.
“We’ve had a lot of encouragement from the Government,” he added.
“If this project is to go ahead we really do need them to come forward now with some hard cash.” He said.
The masterplan for Northlight also includes a canal-side marina and pub and plans for state of the art retirement apartments are underway.
