A MOSSLEY mill that was earmarked for demolition and development into housing is back on the market.
And Britannia Mill is being described as ‘something truly extraordinary.’
The former cotton centre is up for sale for £4.4 million, with the heightened costs of completing the development believed to be a reason why it is being sold again.
Outline planning permission was granted in 2016 for the site, which was built in 1851, involving apartments, mews and semi-detached homes, plus ground floor retail space totalling 750 sq m fronting on to Manchester Road.
Now the area – which lies opposite Mossley train station, which itself is likely to be moved along the road as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade – is being sold.
And agents Elisabeth James Commercial leave people in no doubt about what they may be getting their hands on.
They state: “The Britannia Mill development is poised to offer residents an unparalleled opportunity for luxurious living.
“What sets this development apart is its strategic positioning, providing quick and easy access into Central Manchester via train, allowing residents to effortlessly immerse themselves in the vibrant city life.
“At the heart of the strategy is the creation of a regional and possibly national ‘best in class’ gated, secure residential lifestyle community.
“This isn’t just a place to live, it’s a way of life. A ‘club’ style living experience, where residents have access to a wide array of amenities, facilities, and lifestyle options.
“Imagine indulging in luxury spa treatments, unwinding by the poolside, or socialising in
exclusive clubhouses – all within the confines of a secure gated community.
“Unique river views further enhance the allure of this exceptional property, with additional land available for future development, promising even more opportunities for expansion and growth.
“This isn’t just an investment, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of sophistication and exclusivity.
“Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to become part of something truly extraordinary.”
Britannia Mill was built by John Mayall as a six-storey spinning block containing a maximum of 119,008 spindles which produced 60,000lbs of cotton yarn every week.
By 1856, it employed 528 men, women and children before being sold in 1902 to Britannia Spinning Co Ltd.
That company folded during the great depression of the 1930s and the buildings were stripped of equipment.
Between 1933 and 1938, most of the buildings occupying the eastern end of the site were demolished and the current site is the spinning block, which has been disused for several years.
In 2021, a section 106 agreement was out forward for Britannia Mill that could have seen the outline permission pushed forward.
Planning officer Caroline Lindsay said at the time: “The proposed development would result in the beneficial reuse of a previously developed land providing much needed housing in an accessible location closed to a wide variety of services and transport links.
“The site will bring positive regeneration benefits and contribution to the housing land supply and the development is still therefore considered to be sustainable development.”
However, nothing has yet come of it and the sale of the site means it will have to under a different owner.