Warwick Mill: A New Dawn for a Middleton Landmark

For decades, it has stood as a silent giant on Oldham Road, a powerful reminder of Middleton's industrial past. Warwick Mill, with its towering brickwork and five floors of history, has watched the world change since its looms fell silent in 1965. Built in 1907, this Grade II listed cotton mill is a striking piece of local heritage, a subject of fascination for historians and urban explorers alike.

As the YouTube channel, 'Manchester's Last Bricks', beautifully puts it, Warwick Mill is a place to, "discover... a striking landmark of Greater Manchester’s industrial past... a glimpse into the heritage that shaped the local community". But after years of dereliction, failed plans, and a brief scare from a fire in 2018, a new chapter is finally set to begin.

Rochdale Council has officially given the green light to a transformative £75 million project that will breathe new life into this iconic structure and its surrounding area.


From Spindles to Stylish Apartments: The Vision

London-based developer Kam Fei Fong is set to spearhead a major revitalisation project, turning the derelict mill into a vibrant residential and commercial hub. The ambitious plan involves two key elements:

1. The Mill Conversion: The historic Warwick Mill itself will be carefully repurposed to house 135 unique apartments. The project aims to preserve the building's architectural character while creating modern living spaces.
2. The Loom: Adjacent to the mill, the outdated 1960s office block, London House, will be demolished. In its place will rise, "The Loom", a brand-new, 10-storey building featuring 146 contemporary apartments.

Together, these two buildings will deliver a total of 281 new homes to Middleton, connected by a thoughtfully designed walkway. The mix of properties is designed to cater to a range of needs, including 18 studios, 152 one-bedroom homes, 110 two-bedroom homes, and a single three-bedroom flat.


More Than Just Homes: Building a Community

This development is about more than just creating places to live; it's about building a community. The plans include approximately 23,000 sq ft of flexible commercial and leisure space, featuring:

Communal workspaces for remote and flexible working.
A state-of-the-art gym.
A restaurant with outdoor decking overlooking the nearby brook.
Green recreation spaces and children's play facilities within the mill's rejuvenated central atrium.

Designed with modern urban living in mind, the project heavily favours sustainable transport, offering 340 cycling spaces alongside 77 car parking spaces. 

The Price of Progress

Revitalising a Grade II listed building of this scale is a monumental task. A viability statement by Savills estimates the total project cost at £75 million. By contrast, the projected gross development value upon completion is £68.5 million.

This financial gap presented a challenge. To ensure this crucial regeneration project could proceed, Rochdale Council has allowed the plan to go ahead without a requirement for affordable housing. According to the planning officer's report, this decision was made to help deliver upon the strategic priorities within the Middleton Town Centre masterplan, as it would assist in establishing a strong rental market. The masterplan aims to enhance the town's residential and commercial offerings while improving overall connectivity.


A New Era for Oldham Road

After years of uncertainty, the future of Warwick Mill is finally secure. This project represents a delicate balance between honouring the past and building for the future. Soon, the quiet halls that once echoed with the roar of machinery will be filled with the buzz of a new community, ensuring that this Middleton landmark stands proud for another century to come.