PLANS to develop the Leigh Spinners Mill into a major enterprise and community centre have been revealed.

The proposed development would retain the existing Leigh Spinners Company within the complex but see the large areas of vacant space converted into a range of workspaces with associated meeting rooms and sports facilities.

Opportunities may also exist for space for creative industries including the possibility of a gallery for local artists.

Peter Horrocks, Joint Managing Director of Leigh Spinners and grandson of the original founder, said: “We are pleased to be developing this project as a way of maximising the potential of this amazing building and I am looking forward to seeing the dream of restoring the mill and bringing the building into much greater use realised.”

The project will be led by a new charity, the Leigh Building Preservation Trust which will develop the ideas for the building.

Andy Burnham MP, head of Bedford High School Helen Phillips, Trevor Barton MBE, Clr Keith Cunliffe and local business man Alan Prescott and Joint managing Directors of Leigh Spinners, Peter Horrocks and John Morrison comprise make up a board of trustees.

The project will see the restoration of the Grade II* Listed building which is one of the most important buildings of its type in the UK to its former condition and include the re-instatement of the engine, which is one of the largest in the UK.

Peter Rowlinson, who is leading the work said: “This is one of the most important buildings of its type and is potentially unique. It is an important part of the heritage of Leigh and it will be wonderful to see it developed into an enterprise centre and to see it creating jobs and facilities for the people of Leigh.”

A range of funding opportunities are also being explored, including from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to secure the £4 million needed for the project.

A community consultation event is being planned to engage local residents in the project but anyone interested in getting involved can make contact with Peter Rowlinson who is co-ordinating the scheme on Rowlinson.p@sky.com or 07443 496911.