Pendle is one of seven finalists in this year’s Local Government Chronicle 2024 Awards in the Public /Partnership category.
Pendle Borough Council and Barnfield Investment Properties entered the award to celebrate the transformation of the former Brierfield Mill into Northlight – a living and working complex.
Leader of Pendle Borough Council, Asjad Mahmood, said: “We’re immensely proud of PEARL’s flagship project Northlight. PEARL continues to be a driving force for regeneration in Pendle and I’m delighted that our work is being recognised nationally.”
Rose Rouse, Pendle Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic that our successful joint venture partnership PEARL – Pendle Enterprise And Regeneration Ltd – with local developer, contractor and investor Barnfield Construction, is getting the national recognition it deserves.
“We’ve just celebrated the completion of work at Northlight so the timing is perfect as we put this fantastic scheme in the spotlight.”
PEARL’s shortlisted award entry spotlights the ambitious £32 million project Northlight.
It demonstrates how the partnership has transformed an iconic Lancashire cotton mill in Brierfield to create new jobs and opportunities and a better quality of life for local people.
Northlight includes 85 modern apartments, Burnley FC in the community and FUNDA leisure facilities including an indoor climbing wall, soft play area, laser zone, football and cricket pitches.
The transformed mill is also HQ for Lancashire Adult Learning and In-Situ, Pendle’s community arts organisation, offering a wealth of learning and cultural opportunities.
Its business office units are fully let by Business First. Self-storage is also available through Store First.
Next steps
Next steps for Northlight include an attractive gateway to the site from Brierfield town centre and the canal, with food and drink opportunities coming on site.
Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction and a PEARL board member said: “We are very proud to bring this iconic facility, and everything it comes with, to our local area.
“Had this iconic building not been rescued, it would have been a real detriment to the area of Brierfield and hopefully now we have made something for the residents of Pendle to be proud of.
“As Pendle developers with our HQ within sight of Northlight, working to transform this historic landmark has been a labour of love for us and has taken a huge amount of time and resource to make it happen.
“Barnfield Construction has a highly experienced team working on this complex and challenging project.
“I’m proud to say that over 70% of firms we work with on this huge renovation are from Pendle, including plumbers, electricians, joiners, engineers, decorators and roofers.”
