Pendle Council has been named as one of eight finalists in this year’s local government MJ Awards.

The council was shortlisted in the Innovation in Partnerships category.

Pendle Council’s chief executive, Rose Rouse, said: “It’s fantastic that our successful joint venture partnership PEARL – Pendle Enterprise And Regeneration Ltd - with local developer, contractor and investor Barnfield Construction, is getting the national recognition it deserves.

“The MJ Awards recognise the very best in local government projects and acknowledge the tremendous effort councils like Pendle make in supporting their local communities,” she explained.

Rose Rouse and managing director of Barnfield Construction, Tim Webber, will present Pendle’s entry in London on April 20 and the winner will be announced at the MJ Awards event on June 23 in Westminster, London.

PEARL’s shortlisted award entry spotlights the ambitious £32 million project Northlight.

It aims to demonstrate how the partnership has transformed an iconic Lancashire cotton mill in Brierfield to create new jobs and opportunities and a better quality of life for local people.

Northlight includes 80 modern apartments, Burnley FC in the community leisure facilities including an indoor climbing wall, soft play area, laser zone, football and cricket pitches.

The transformed mill is also HQ for Lancashire Adult Learning and In-Situ, Pendle’s community arts organisation, offering a wealth of learning and cultural opportunities.

Its business office units are fully let by Business First. Self storage is also available through Store First. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

The Northlight site from above

Tim Webber, managing director of Barnfield and a PEARL board member said: “As Pendle developers with our HQ within sight of Northlight, working to transform this historic landmark has been a labour of love for us and has taken a huge amount of time and resource to make it happen.

“Barnfield Construction has a highly experienced team working on this complex and challenging project.

“I’m proud to say that over 70 per cent of firms we work with on this huge renovation are from Pendle, including plumbers, electricians, joiners, engineers, decorators and roofers."

PEARL is a Joint Venture company with Barnfield owning 70 per cent of the company and the Council being a 30 per cent shareholder. Funds are contributed into the development vehicle in these percentages.