A major redevelopment of one of Leek’s historic mills will ramp up soon – with all the key team originally from the Staffordshire Moorlands or living there now.
London Mill on Ashbourne Road is set to be transformed into 21 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments with a budget of £1.3 million set for the construction works.
All the architects, consultants and contractors working on the scheme – as well as the building’s owner – grew up in Leek or the surrounding area, or now live locally, and say it is an ‘honour’ to be part of such a high-profile development in their home district.
It is estimated around 50 to 60 local people will be working on the project through the various stages of work.
Hanley-based Inc Architects and Brada Developments have teamed up with C2C Consulting Engineers, based in Hartshill, while Leek’s Sammons Architectural prepared the planning application in 2022.
Essential preservation works were completed over the winter to protect the Grade II-listed structure.
Scaffolding will go up soon with the homes expected to be ready from late 2026 to early 2027.
Inc director Kim Mountford, who grew up in Cheddleton and attended Westwood College in Leek, said: “It is an honour to work on this exciting project to transform one of the iconic buildings that make up Leek’s identity. Growing up around the town’s industrial heritage inspired me to go into architecture.
“London Mill is a very functional and utilitarian warehouse – not fancy or ornate – which was built for a purpose and will now go on to have a new life instead of falling further into disrepair.
“The recent loss of Big Mill – a building I always wanted to work on – was tragic and it is great that we have the opportunity to take the London Mill building forward.”
A major fire last month led to the demolition of Leek’s Big Mill on Mill Street, constructed in 1857 by the Victorian architect William Sugden.
Dating back to 1853, London Mill was associated with one of Leek’s dominant silk and textile companies, Brough, Nicholson and Hall Limited. The redevelopment will retain many original features including masonry and brickwork.
The building is undergoing thermal improvements as part of the conversion and will be fitted out with sustainable heating and ventilation systems to bring it up to modern standards.
Its owner Nirad Solanki, chairman of Solanki Holdings, who lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands, added: “London Mill is more than just another project for me. A Grade II-listed silk mill in the heart of Leek carries generations of craftsmanship in its brickwork and scale. I was drawn to the opportunity to take a building that helped shape the town and give it a strong future.
“The 28 new-build apartments will bring much-needed homes and new activity, but it’s vital we respect the mill’s heritage at the same time. London Mill gives us the chance to protect an important part of Leek’s history while creating high-quality homes for today.”
Structural engineer Sam Walker, of C2C Consulting Engineers, from Cheddleton, said: “It’s easy to pass these old buildings without giving them a second thought. Having grown up in the town, when I saw the project gaining traction, I was keen to get involved.
“It has been refreshing to work with such an inspired local design team that has the same common interest in preserving the town’s heritage.”
The only specialist items coming from out of the area are the windows and the clock.
