PLANS to regenerate Leigh Spinners Mill have moved one step closer after the charitable trust behind the project submitted a £5 million lottery bid.

As part of the Heritage Lottery bid, Leigh Building Preservation Trust has signed a partnership agreement with the mill’s current owners, which will see the building sold for just £1 if the proposal is successful.

Trust chairman Trevor Barton said: “I’m really proud that we’ve signed this partnership agreement with Leigh Spinners Ltd.

“This document describes the company’s intention to sell us the mill for £1 if we are successful with our lottery bid.

“It’s a testament to the Horrocks family’s commitment to the mill they built and still operate in that we are able to continue with a redevelopment project that will benefit the whole town.”

Community groups, business owners and residents backed the plans for the regeneration of the mill at a series of consultation sessions earlier this month and saw the proposals for the interior and exterior of the iconic grade II listed building.

Andy Burnham MP, trust board members and representatives from the council and the Canal and River Trust were on hand during the day to discuss how the plans will meet the needs of the surrounding area and in the evening, residents attended workshops and had their say on what should be in the redeveloped mill and what they felt needed a higher profile.

Mr Barton said: “Heritage, business and training as well as arts, sports and community were all topics that generated lively discussion and some excellent suggestions.

“We’ve revisited the draft plans to incorporate much of what we heard during the day, ensuring that as well as making this development sustainable we can be absolutely sure we are reflecting the requirements of businesses and local people.”

A decision on the outcome of the lottery bid is expected on January 28.