Ambitious plans up for decisions for Northlight at Pendle Council’s Executive

Work is gaining pace in the £32m transformation of Brierfield Mill into Northlight, a major new destination for the North West.

And councillors are being asked to pass resolutions on acquiring several piece of land at Pendle Council's Executive meeting tonight (17 March).

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council who leads on economic development, said:
“Two compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for land around the mill are vital steps for this major development which will create jobs and improve the quality of life for local people and visitors.

“The CPOs include buying land for outdoor sport pitches, part of a Leisure Box facility which will be run by Burnley FC in the Community.

“If agreed, the CPOs will mean we can also provide essential car parking for visitors and enhance the landscape setting of Northlight.”

The transformation of Brierfield Mill into Northlight is also going up a gear thanks to a larger pot of funding.

Councillor Iqbal explained: “I’m delighted that the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership will be investing in Northlight.

“Hundreds of jobs will be created whilst transforming an iconic Grade 2 listed building and improving an environment which is part of our Lancashire heritage.”

Edwin Booth, Chairman of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Northlight is a major development opportunity of importance to the whole of Lancashire.

“As the single largest public sector investor in this scheme, we are pleased to work hard with local partners to develop a comprehensive regeneration plan for the area and link this scheme with our investment in the Pendle – Burnley Growth Corridor.”

Progress on the Victorian mill complex has been the result of hard graft behind the scenes by PEARL, the pioneering joint venture company run by Pendle Council and local contractor, investor and developer, Barnfield Construction.

Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield Construction and a PEARL board member, said: “As Pendle based developers we’re extremely passionate about the Northlight development.

“It’s an exciting project for a stunning complex of historic buildings across a site of over seven acres.

“We’re starting work soon on the strip out so that the major transformation work can get underway.”

Councillor Tony Greaves, Pendle Council’s Deputy Leader, added: “This is a massive project which will provide hundreds of new jobs.

“It’s Pendle-based and Pendle-run through the joint venture development company PEARL.
“We’re very grateful for the support we’re getting from Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP).”

Councillor Jennifer Mein, Leader of the Lancashire County Council, said: “The County Council aims to play its full part on supporting Northlight, which is critical to improving the area at the prospects of local residents.

“The County Council will very shortly look to confirm its £1.9 million investment to support the early delivery of this exciting scheme.”

Planning permission has already been granted for:

• The conversion of the historic Glen Way offices to create a training and education facility for adults
• The development of a hotel, micro-brewery, bar, restaurant and café

 
 
For further information please contact:
Alice Barnett, Communications Team, Chief Executive's Policy Unit, Pendle Council