There’s some great news for coach parties and visitors to Lancashire- Ena Mill in the Northwest is Expanding.
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
Email: jon@enamill.co.uk
Web: www.enamill.co.uk
