Derelict Mill Conversion Could Create Construction Jobs

Plans for a conversion of a derelict mill in the Lancashire town of Colne have been submitted, with the project set to create up to 80 jobs. The scheme intends to turn the site of Glen Mill into four shops, a warehouse, pub and restaurant and plans have been submitted to Pendle Council. The project would create construction jobs as well as a number of positions once the conversion is completed.

Plan would create up to 80 new jobs

A spokesman for Barnfield Construction who have submitted the application, said: “The proposal has the potential to create up to 80 new jobs, which will be in a variety of roles across the mix of uses proposed and will be on both a full and part-time basis.

“It should be expected that the majority of the jobs created, if not all, will be taken by local people.

“The site has now stood vacant for 18 months and the majority of the traditional mill building has been demolished, with the remaining structures being of limited physical value and offering limited potential for re-occupation.

“The site presents an eyesore on a key route through Colne, and represents a hazardous location to the local community.”

Previous applications have been turned down

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that ‘Glen Mill was previously used by BSN Medical as a textile dying and finishing factory but closed in 2009.’ Thereafter it was marketed by commercial estate agents with little interest. Previous applications to turn the site into a DIY store and supermarket have been rejected by the council.

As well as creating a number of construction jobs, the application would create customer parking for 222 cars.