mill

Islington Mill – Salford

Project Type
Heritage
Completion Date
2023
Project Value
£4.3m
Project Duration
18 months

Project Scope

islington mill studios

Nestled in a Grade II listed Georgian mill from 1823, Islington Mill‘s revival artfully merges vintage charm with contemporary finesse, seamlessly harmonising with its surroundings. We were tasked with breathing life into its history.

This year-long endeavour – the renaissance of Islington Mill – encapsulates meticulous material considerations, regulatory compliance, conservation ethos, and sustainability.

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KROLCO~1

Achievements

KROLCO~1

The restoration delivered major achievements, including:

  • Roof renewal with expansive skylights.

  • Restored exterior features such as the cobbled courtyard and modernised entrances.

  • Fully accessible studios with lifts and new staircases.

  • World-class ‘live work’ artist residency spaces.

  • Interior upgrades including acoustic improvements and window refurbishment.

  • Infrastructure for a fifth-floor open studio and exhibition area.

  • Strong social value, notably supporting St. Philips Primary School, Salford.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Salford City Council, and a £3.3m ERDF grant.

Challenges

BEFORE~2

The restoration of this Grade II listed building was subject to strict planning controls, requiring listed building consent and specialist methods. Many areas were near condemnation, but through labour-intensive structural and restoration work, carried out by skilled local subcontractors, the building regained its character and function.

Traditional techniques were essential, making the sourcing of experienced trades challenging. Working in a residential environment added further complexities, with logistics and deliveries carefully managed through a mix of offsite and onsite fabrication.

Close collaboration between all parties ensured minimal disruption to artist residents and surrounding neighbours while meeting stakeholder expectations and programme demands.

BEFORE~2
5 Interior exposed beams

Impact and Result

5 Interior exposed beams

The project’s triumph extends beyond structural revival. Islington Mill has been resurrected as a vibrant community nucleus, with over 100 residents now calling it home. From the brink of obscurity, the mill now stands as a testament to heritage preservation and community rejuvenation, affirming its role as a cherished local landmark.

The project’s realisation was made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England ACE, and Salford City Council. Additionally, the ‘new’ Islington Mill secured a £3.3 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

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