“This week marks a huge step forward for Northlight as we start major work on site,” said Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Chairman of PEARL and Leader of Pendle Council.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that all of the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together and we can now start to transform our vast heritage mill.”
“This historic complex, which stretches over seven acres, will have new life breathed into it.
“Northlight will significantly contribute to the regeneration of Pendle as well as creating an exciting major new destination for the North West.”
Main contractors Barnfield Construction have begun work on the first phase of Burnley FC in the Community’s leisure facility and offices and learning facilities for Lancashire Adult Learning’s new base in Brierfield.
Once all work has been completed, the leisure facilities will include indoor and outdoor pitches, a climbing wall, cricket nets, dance and fitness areas and a play area.
Pendle Council has committed £1.5m and Lancashire County Council (LCC) has approved funding of £2.15m to support the development.
Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has allocated £4.2m from its Growth Deal and a further £750,000 of Growth Deal Skills Capital funding towards the cost of relocating Lancashire Adult Learning from Chorley to Northlight.
The Northlight project is led by PEARL, a joint venture development company established between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties Ltd.
Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield and a PEARL board member said: “As Pendle based developers and contractors we’re extremely passionate about Northlight.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for many months on developing a scheme that will bring huge benefits to not only the local residents offering brand new leisure facilities, but also in an economic nature for local businesses. “
Leader of Lancashire County Council, Councillor Jennifer Mein said: “We are delighted to be able to support this exciting project which has the potential to transform the fortunes not just of Brierfield but of the area as a whole.
“Bringing together leisure, residential and educational facilities in this iconic building will create a host of opportunities for people from across Lancashire and beyond and provide a real boost to the economy.”
Graham Cowley, Chair of Lancashire Economic Partnership’s Growth Deal Management Board, said: “I’m delighted that we are now able to see the transformation of Brierfield Mill into Northlight begin.
“This scheme is a great example of how the LEP is investing funds strategically to support major projects that have a wide ranging impact locally, from supporting jobs and business growth to improving leisure and education opportunities.
“Driving economic growth and regeneration locally though projects like this is a key part of our ambitious strategic programme to fuel economic growth in Lancashire over the next decade.”
Neil Hart Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community, said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to develop a sustainable leisure and sport facility on the Brierfield Mill site. We now have a long term plan to create a unique facility for the region.”
The new facility for Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) will be run by Nelson and Colne College.
Principal of Lancashire Adult Learning and Nelson and Colne College Amanda Melton said: “Our base will now be at Brierfield, but our provision of courses will remain the same, and we will continue to help adults re-discover a love for learning by running a range of classes across the county.
“We are here to help adults across Lancashire develop new skills and improve their career prospects, and our staff remain committed to putting learners and their needs at the very heart of LAL.“
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