Huge plans to transform historic Clitheroe mill

Exciting plans to transform a derelict mill in Clitheroe into a multi-million pound leisure venue which developers say will be the envy of the North West have been unveiled by a Ribble Valley entrepreneur this week.
An artist's impression of the new look historic Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe. (s)An artist's impression of the new look historic Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe. (s)
An artist's impression of the new look historic Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe. (s)

An application for the much-anticipated redevelopment of Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, has been submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council by James Warburton, owner of Emporia Leisure Ltd, and is set to create around 150 jobs.

If planning permission is granted the iconic mill’s variety of Grade II listed buildings will be brought back to life to include 31 apartments, a 1,500 member capacity gym, urban spa, 20 ft swimming pool, creative office space, brewing hall, delicatessens, patisserie, bakery, restaurant, artisan organic food hall and flat outdoor leisure area.

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The extensive proposals for the 64,000 sq. ft site come after the company installed its brewing arm of the business, Bowland Brewery, into the building earlier this year.

Holmes MillHolmes Mill
Holmes Mill

Speaking exclusively to the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, Mr Warburton said: “We are delighted to have reached the planning submission stage after a lot of work and a very constructive and ongoing dialogue with Ribble Valley Borough Council.

“Our vision is to bring this beautiful building back to life and enhance the features it holds in abundance. The heart of the whole complex will be the new brewery and beer hall, which will be a showcase for Bowland beers alongside many others from respected suppliers both nationally and worldwide.”

The proposals also include the creation of the bespoke Bowland Speciality Food Hall, which will stock local meats and butchery, seafood, fruit and vegetables. The on-site restaurant will feature all produce sold in the food hall on its menu and the complex will adhere to an ethically sound zero-waste policy, ensuring all unsold produce will be used in the company’s own range of dishes.

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Above the brewery hall on the second floor would be a proposed multi-use function suite and a space for live music, with space for a pop-up cinema and cookery school also incorporated. The third floor will host small incubator units for creative businesses alongside a design space.

James and Andrew Warburton at Holmes Mill. (s)James and Andrew Warburton at Holmes Mill. (s)
James and Andrew Warburton at Holmes Mill. (s)

The complex will also host the head office of James’ Places, which will be based on the fourth floor.

Other strands of the business will be brought in-house, such as coffee roasting and fresh bread to supply the many pubs and hotels under the company’s umbrella, including the Waddington Arms, The Falcon at Settle, The Royal at Kirkby Lonsdale, Eaves Hall in West Bradford and Mitton Hall, Mitton.

The proposed time frame for the development is that the first phase of the development, subject to planning permission being granted, will be completed by May 2016, with the second phase reaching completion by May 2017.