Salford mill gets £3m office refurb

A FORMER Victorian mill in Salford is being converted into a speculative office development.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has committed £430,000 to a £3m refurbishment led by the mill’s owner Vanguard Holdings, which is based in Middlesex.

Vanguard wants to convert Newtown Mill, which was built in 1883, into offices and call centre space for 900 staff over 125,000 sq ft.
 
NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “By investing in these improvements we can provide the type of modern office accommodation which is attractive to the market, and most importantly will safeguard and create jobs in Salford.

“Investing in new business accommodation in the current economic climate is a challenge but also a big opportunity and I am pleased the NWDA has been able to support a scheme which will make a sizeable economic and social impact.”
 
Once complete, the mill will feature a restaurant, coffee bar, conference facilities, gym, squash courts and a lounge. There will be a training facility and space for around 250 cars.
 
Mac McCullagh, managing director of the Vanguard Group, said: “This is a speculative development but we are confident that the market is there based on the research we have done. Funding from the NWDA will mean that we can realise our plans for the site and create a superior development which will bring new jobs to Salford.”