Planning Permission Granted for Atherton Retail Mill Expansion Creating 200 Jobs.
1/25/2017
Ena Mill in the Northwest Expanding.
There's some great news for coach parties and
visitors to Lancashire.
Wigan Council has granted planning permission for a Lancashire retail
mill to effectively double the retail space in size to a total of more than
80,000 square feet (The size of one and a half football pitches).
The owners of Ena Mill in Atherton - a well established retail coach-stop in the
Northwest - predict that their approved plans will create 200 new jobs over the
next five years.
The expansion plans for Ena Mill in Atherton were first shared with the
local public almost a year ago at two consultation events last February.
Simon Yates, who owns Ena Mill with Jonathan Addis, said: “The planning
permission is wonderful news for Atherton. Six years ago, Jon and I took the
biggest gamble of our lives.
“Back then, we had a simple vision to breathe new life into Ena Mill.
What has happened since then has been nothing short of remarkable. We have seen
almost 2 million customers travel to Atherton - many of them travelling many
miles to visit. This planning permission gives us the chance to maintain that
pace of growth, and build a famous retail experience Atherton deserves.”
Jonathan Addis added: “The support from customers, staff, suppliers and
residents dared us to dream; and gave us belief to put together our latest
plans. We are so grateful for everyone who has played their part in the success
story so far. And we are especially grateful to the council for supporting us
too.
“We hope our plans can be a catalyst for renewed commercial optimism in
the town. We will now begin by repaying people’s support by creating one of the
best retail mill destinations in the country, right here in Atherton. And we
hope people will be as excited about that as we are.”
Ena Mill already occupies 40,000-square feet of retail space on the
ground floor of the iconic five-floor mill building. The new plans include the
redevelopment of the first floor of the old cotton spinning building which
dates back to 1908. Highlights also include a proposed new 300-cover
restaurant.
As well as the first floor development, the next five years will see the
iconic engine room restored and made available to the local community for
meetings and functions; a heritage centre celebrating the area’s industrial
past; additional on-site parking; a second restaurant; and a final development
phase to convert the top two floors into 80 residential apartments.
Coach operators and group travel organisers wishing to arrange their
visit to Ena Mill should contact Simon Yates or Jonathan Addis on [01942] 882406 or email jon@enamill.co.uk;
Web: www.enamill.co.uk;
ENDS
January 2017
Notes for Editors
Attached pictures show owners Simon Yates [left] and Jonathan
Addis and picture of Happy Days Tours from Staffordshire visiting Ena
Mill.