Former Cotton Mill Transformed into Modern Coworking Space

The grade 2 listed building, known as Northlight, had fallen into disrepair and was named by English Heritage as a listed building at risk. The building has now been saved from an uncertain future and turned into an impressive collaborative workspace, operated by Business First. After months of work it is now open business and the first tenants have moved in.

Business First is based in Burnley and has a further 8 locations around the North of England and into Scotland. Phase one of the renovation has seen an investment of £4m with further developments planned for the future.

Northlight has been developed by PEARL, a joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties Limited and Pendle Council. It was once home to 2800 looms in four weaving sheds. Now a portion of those buildings has been tastefully restored into contemporary offices and a coworking hub, retaining the style and character of the original building. It’s a thoroughly modern facility which will serve businesses and entrepreneurs for years to come.

The building is close to the hearts of local residents, many of which have memories of working there before its doors closed in 2007.

A spokesman for Business First commented:

“Northlight is more than just a suite of luxury offices in a stunning location. It’s a place for creativity, collaboration, and networking.”

“We’re seeing a new way of working where the traditional office is falling from favour. In response we’re providing a flexible workspace, totally customizable to the needs of individual businesses.”

Northlight offers a range of offices, coworking spaces and break out areas, all with ultrafast WiFi and a fulltime concierge service. Several early adopters have already moved in.

One such company is Red Hawk Group, an Energy management consultancy. Director Billy Ingham explained:

“It’s such an impressive building and there’s everything right here. It’s like a city centre location in rural Lancashire, but right next to the M65, so it’s an absolutely ideal location.”

Another organisation already to have moved in is HIFU Clinics North West. Directors Louise Chung and Becca Mousley commented:

“We’re looking to expand our business so we need a space that can grow with us. When you first see Northlight it has a massive impact. It’s a beautiful building, and when you come inside it just gets better and better.”

Health and Safety consultant and training provider, Sensible Safety has also relocated to Northlight. They will be using the space as a main office and to run training courses. Director Damian Chung explained why:

“It’s a very good space for learning. We’ve got room for large groups, and the superfast internet is essential for our training sessions. The comfortable coffee break spaces are also ideal for our delegates to relax in between training sessions.”

Local entrepreneur Nicola Edwards has chosen the location for an office and workshop for her bespoke carpet edging business.

She said:

“I wanted a nice upmarket feel for the office because I need somewhere impressive to bring people. Northlight is ideal for that, the attention to detail in the renovation is fantastic.”

The new facility has got plenty of appeal for all types of organisations. Community Arts by ZK is a social enterprise using art workshops as a tool for addressing social problems like loneliness and social anxiety. CEO Zaneb Khatun explained why she chose to locate at Northlight:

“I’ve got a textiles background, so I felt an affinity with the building. Northlight used to be a textile mill and there’s a real sense of that when you arrive. We’ve been able reorganise the space for our resident artists and their workshops. It’s ideal for our purposes.”

Northlight is already proving very popular with companies and their clients. Spaces are filling up fast.

For a closer look at Northlight, watch the introductory video, here: https://vimeo.com/485501991/71aea2d65e and for more information on Business First and the Northlight facility visit the website www.businessfirst.co.uk or call 07929 035 517 to speak to a member of staff.