Public to have say on the future of Brierfield mill (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Public to have say on the future of Brierfield mill

5:00pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Kate Jackson, Reporter

The former Smith and Nephew site and (inset) Andrew Stephenson MP

PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson is writing to 150 households asking what they would like to see happen to a landmark building in Brierfield.

The historic grade II listed former Smith and Nephew building, which Pendle Council bought for £1.5million in March, has been vacant since medical supplies firm BSN closed down operations more than six years ago.

The council is now looking at funding possibilities to get the building up to the standard required for redevelopment after a recent initial bid to the European Regional Development Fund was unsuccessful.

The mill is now under the control of a specially-created subsidiary of Pendle Council’s enterprise arm, PEARL2 Mr Stephenson said: “The site of the mill is seven acres, it is a very large area and as such there is plenty of scope for potential businesses or other ventures.

“It is ideally placed next to the railway line and with close links to the M65, so it could function as a hotel chain, business centre, housing development or other private sector retailers.

“We have already had interest from a number of engineering firms that would like to expand.

“Funding is needed now to remove remnants of the previous owners and also electrical work needs undertaking. I have my ideas about what I would like to see happen to the mill but I think it is essential that people who live on its doorstep have the chance to say what they would or wouldn’t like to see it used for.”

Brian Cookson, executive drector (regeneration), said: “This is undoubtedly going to be a long-term project, and the most important thing is that, as one of English Heritage’s Listed Buildings at Risk, it’s been secured and protected from further deterioration.

“At the moment, we have monthly project meetings with Barnfield to progress our plans for the mill. We’re currently looking at possible funding for the redevelopment of the mill buildings.

“A recent initial bid to the European Regional Development Fund was unsuccessful, but we’re looking at alternatives and are hopeful that we will secure funding.

“We’ve commissioned a Conservation Strategy to ensure we look after the heritage aspects of the building properly.”

A meeting for potential agents and surveyors takes place tomorrow. For more information, contact tracy.bate @barnfieldconstruction.co.uk or call 01282 442300.