Plans have been submitted to transform a former cotton mill on the verge of collapse into 64 new apartments, shops and cafes. Grecian Mill on Worsley Road North in Walkden is in a 'dilapidated and deteriorating' condition, with the structure having suffered a partial collapse in 2021.
Rescue and modernisation plans
Town planners Mialex Ltd have submitted plans to rescue and modernise the building, transforming the currently 'uninhabitable' upper floors into seven duplex and 55 residential apartments. The ground floor would hold around 135 sqm of commercial space, including a cafe and offices. The developer also plans to include an internal winter garden and external landscaping.
Much of the Victorian building would be kept and restored, with some more modern extensions due to be demolished. A 'sawtooth roof' would crown the red-brick base, drawing from the historic shape of mill architecture, according to designs by Drome Architects.
Planning statement and structural concerns
If approved by the council's planning department, the plans could present 'a considered and deliverable strategy for the long-term reuse of a prominent but severely deteriorated historic mill complex', says a planning statement.
The statement continued: "The proposals offer a robust and balanced response to a complex site. They secure the reuse of an important historic structure, remove unsafe and poor-quality elements, improve the townscape contribution of the site, and deliver new homes on previously developed land in a sustainable location."
The plans come as the building continues to decline. In February 2021, part of the structure collapsed, sending substantial sections of masonry crashing through the roof of the garage below. The A575 was temporarily closed and emergency works had to be carried out to secure the building.
According to recent surveys, the mill 'remains in poor condition' with internal floors and the roof 'severely impacted by delay', according to developers. The Victorian building is at risk of further deterioration without 'extensive remediation works'.
