Former Blackburn manufacturing plant changes hands and now on the market

Blackburn-based property business, The Adhan Group, has acquired Graham & Brown’s former 5.5-acre manufacturing plant in the centre of Blackburn, for an undisclosed sum.

Adhan Group is one of the region’s largest lettings and sales companies and is one of the most active buyers of commercial property in the north, having recently added more than four million sq ft of industrial, commercial and office space to its property portfolio.

Already operating in Cheshire, Wirral, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and North Wales, it is rapidly expanding its portfolio into the Midlands and all areas in the South.

India Mill, a modern self-contained manufacturing facility, is located on the established Furthergate Business Park and is one mile away from junction six of the M65 and Blackburn town centre.

The site will continue to operate as a manufacturing and distribution centre.

Chris Henderson, of Adhan Group, said: “The addition of this central, self contained site at the heart of Blackburn is a welcome addition to our portfolio.

“Rental interest is always strong for these types of sites, and we hope to have a new tenant in situ shortly with the site continuing to contribute significant employment to the locality.”

Graham & Brown announced the sale of India Mill in late 2023, and is evolving into a design-led, brand-led, digital business.

The company has opened its new digital ‘factory of the future’ at Shuttleworth Mead, Padiham, where it is producing high quality, design-led, environmentally-friendly wallpapers, murals, and wall art.

The factory runs on renewable electricity, is carbon neutral and the leading digital factory in the industry.

Napthens solicitors advised Graham & Brown on the sale of the property. Partner, David Hill, said: “India Mill is an excellent addition to the Adhan Group’s property portfolio. The site is impressive and will provide a range of companies with the perfect location from which to operate and grow their businesses.”

Commercial property consultants Trevor Dawson were agents for the site.

Director, Jason Rawson, advised on the sale and said: “This is a strategic site for manufacturing and distribution in Blackburn which was reflected in the extensive interest we obtained from Investors, developers, owner occupiers and prospective tenants.

“We are pleased to have been retained as letting agents moving forward and can now offer the site as a whole or on a piecemeal basis to potential tenants on favourable terms.”