Barnfield Construction is delighted to announce the completion of the conversion of Lomeshaye Bridge Mill, a Victorian era cotton mill owned by Heritage Trust for the North West.
Lomeshaye Bridge Mill, purchased by the Trust in 1998, was the Trust’s first acquisition in Nelson. Initially it was a two-storey steam powered cotton spinning mill built in 1841. In 1899, two further storeys and the adjoining weaving sheds were added.
The mill offers managed workspace on the third floor, with the first and second floors utilised as archiving space with the potential to be used as further workspace in the future; the ground floor will continue to be used as a joinery workshop.
Jonathan Nixon, Barnfield’s Project Manager on the scheme, commented:
“We have worked tirelessly to bring this project to completion since we originally priced the scheme by competitive tender in 2012. There were many hurdles to surmount before finally starting the conversion works in July 2014.”
“This project is the latest in a long line of heritage conversion projects undertaken by Barnfield and it is a joy to see old buildings of our industrious past being brought back into use.
“The success of the conversion is a credit to all involved. The vast majority of the contractors and tradesmen involved in the scheme were locally-based. We strongly believe in investing locally and the successful nature in which this project was completed is a prime example of the talents Pendle has to offer.”
Heritage Trust for the North West
Heritage Trust for the North West has been delighted to work with Barnfield Construction. Their small building company (Conservation Services NW) which specialises in traditional building skills, has also played a part as a sub-contractor under the able hands of Austin Grady, the Building Manager.
All profits from Conservation Services NW are donated to the Heritage Trust for the North West, the parent Charity, providing additional funds for the Trust’s programme of restoring historic buildings at risk. The company’s base is on the ground floor of Lomeshaye Bridge Mill and now has enhanced accommodation and facilities following the restoration project.
Purcell
Matthew Dyer, Project Architect at Purcell commented:
“Purcell has taken great pleasure working in partnership with Heritage Trust for the North West, Pendle Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure the long term future of this important piece of Nelson’s industrial heritage as part of the wider Townscape Heritage Initiative project.
Our design approach has ensured that the mill retain its industrial integrity, while creating valuable managed workspace and archive space for local businesses. The work carried out by the contractor and conservation team showcases how traditional skills such as lime mortar pointing and stone roof slating can be successfully used in refurbishment schemes to create practical spaces suited for modern business use.
Pendle Borough Council
Neil Watson, Planning and Building Control Manager for Pendle Council, said:
“It’s taken considerable effort over the last eight years to find a viable use for Lomeshaye Bridge Mill.
“A wide range of public and private organisations have been involved, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, making this fantastic transformation possible.
“The restoration of the Mill has been part of our wider ambitions for the Whitefield area of Nelson.
“With a brand new £9m school, beautifully restored heritage housing and newly built homes, Whitefield is becoming a much sought after area.”
