Multi-million Warwick Mill plan proposed

DEVELOPERS have unveiled multi-million pound plans to convert a mill in Middleton into a major business and leisure scheme, featuring a trade showroom for exhibiting Chinese goods, alongside restaurants and cafes.

LED Emporium, part of the Hong Kong-based property development group, G-Suite Holdings, has submitted a planning application to Rochdale Borough Council for the project, which would renovate and convert the Grade II listed Warwick Mill and create more than 200 new jobs.

The proposal would see the 200,000sq ft building, which has been underutilised for many years, sensitively converted into a facility where Chinese companies, as well as those from other emerging markets in Asia, can exhibit and sell their goods in the UK and European markets.

Rebranded as Red Warwick, the £50m plans will also open the landmark building to the public through restaurants and cafes at ground floor level.

Should the planning application be approved, the council will work with the developer to find alternative accommodation in Middleton for existing tenants.

Rochdale Council leader and cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Richard Farnell said: “The fact that an international company like this is looking to make such a significant investment to support the re use of this landmark building and create hundreds of jobs is a sign of real confidence in the Borough’s economic revival.

The project will be financed and undertaken by G-Suite, operating from their UK headquarters in Manchester.

G-Suite director Robert Wong said: “Red Warwick is our biggest renovation project in Europe and we are especially proud to bring fresh investment and job opportunities to Middleton. It will further bolster the strong links that are already in place between the UK and China, with a view of teaming up top-quality manufacturing with UK business owners and investors.

“Red Warwick is a truly sustainable development that protects the integrity and legacy of Warwick Mill and the human history within its walls. The redevelopment will provide a much-needed new lease of life for this incredible space.”

Planning consultants advising on the applications are JLL, the technical advice is being provided by Arup and architectural design by Oval Partnership

G-Suite Holdings Limited is involved in several North West projects including the luxury Cardinal apartments in Oldham, and Moorfields, a development of micro apartments in Liverpool city centre.