The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable, MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills visited Brierfield Mill to see for himself the enormous potential the iconic landmark offers.
He was met by the Leader of Pendle Council, Councillor Joe Cooney and Deputy Leader, Councillor John David, along with Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield Construction, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive, Stephen Barnes and MP Andrew Stephenson.
Mr Cable was shown the Masterplan for the Mill – now called northlight – which details the ambitions for it to become a vibrant new, working, living and cultural quarter for the region.
Proposals for this Grade 2 listed building include arts, leisure and retail uses along with roof top apartments looking out over Pendle’s stunning countryside.
The Mill is owned by PEARL – the joint venture company of Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties – thanks to a 100% grant from the Government.
Mr Cable said:
“This is a really exciting project.
“It’s a magnificent building bursting with potential.
“It’s a great idea combining housing, leisure, creating jobs – it will be good for the area.”
Councillor Joe Cooney added:
“The Mill complex offers an enormous opportunity for the area, and indeed the region, and I’m delighted that Mr Cable could see for himself the ambitious plans for this stunning building.
Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield Construction and Director of PEARL, said:
“It was important to show the Minister the practical plans which have now been developed for the site and the enormous potential for jobs and growth they have for the area.”
Councillor David added:
“I was delighted that we were able to welcome such a senior Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister to see first-hand the excellent work so far achieved.
“I am hopeful he will now assist us in unlocking funding opportunities, which will help us to realise northlight’s huge potential.”
