Unexpected funding boost to enable town centre mills redevelopment
Plans to redevelop Marsden Mills, in West Yorkshire, can go ahead thanks to £5.6m worth of funding for the project which was confirmed by the Government through its Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
In August last year, Kirklees Council submitted a bid for the LUF aimed at bringing Marsden Mills, a long-vacant historic mill complex in Marsden town centre, back into use.
Despite news that the bid had been unsuccessful, the project is now able to proceed thanks to an unexpected funding boost from Government confirmed in last week’s budget.
Plans include retaining parts of the mill’s façade as a heritage piece, preserving the building’s history and personality.
The remainder of the building will be partially demolished to create a new, improved property which will support the town centre and local businesses.
Once completed, the development will include commercial units and office space, with a potential for residential units on the upper floors – all surrounded by landscaping and an attractive new courtyard.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I am pleased that the Marsden project has been given the funding it deserves.
“We knew when we submitted our Levelling Up Fund bids that the projects we put forward were strong ones.
“The fact that the Government has approved another of those bids, alongside the successful bid for Batley town centre, goes to show our vision for our towns is the right one. I look forward to seeing the work take shape.”
Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, added: “This project will boost the local economy in Marsden, allowing it to thrive.
“I am very pleased that we can move forward on this important scheme and know the people of Marsden and beyond will benefit from having high quality facilities in the heart of the town.”
The plan is for the project to be delivered by private sector organisations, with the support of the council.
Alongside the £5.6m of funding announced through the LUF, a further £11.7m will be contributed by private sector partners.
