AN ambitious £13m project to bring an old cotton mill dating back to the 1800s back to life is taking off with home buyers.

The regeneration will see the Grade II listed building on Mather Lane in Leigh, which has stood derelict for 20 years, turned into 98 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The whole development – known as Loom Wharf – is due for completion by the end of the year, and over a third of the apartments have already sold.

The development is led by JP McGuire Developments.

Five loft-style show apartments of the development are also now complete.

The spacious apartments boast high ceilings and large floor plans, with the biggest apartment covering 165 sq/m.

Original features such as large windows and brick walls have been lovingly restored and kept throughout the apartments, preserving the character of the building, which was first built in 1882.

There are a number of secure parking spaces available, and residents can also take advantage of a private cinema and dining room for entertaining and socialising.

All apartments are fitted with high-specification bathrooms and kitchens, which are available in a range of colours and finishes – including gloss white and charcoal black.

The apartments in the gated community all have access to large reception and communal areas, bicycle storage and an on-site gym.

Leigh Journal:

The Loom Wharf site on Mather Lane in Leigh

Leigh Journal:

Inside one of the show homes

Finishing touches such as metro brick splashbacks and chrome taps are included in the apartments.

In order to minimise sounds between apartments, the developers have installed noise-reducing insulation and fitted devices in the toilets to help minimise the sound of flushing.

The bathrooms and ensuite shower rooms have stylish tiles, chrome taps, spotlights and quality furniture.

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Managing director of JP McGuire Developments, Jonathan Twentyman, said: “My aim with Loom Wharf is to provide premium housing at an affordable price to local people.

"We’ve spent years refining our plans and designs so we can bring a luxury feel to these apartments and offer residents a great lifestyle and sense of community – all while remaining sympathetic to the mill’s heritage.

"Completing the show apartments is a significant achievement and we’ve had fantastic feedback so far.

"With 35 apartments already sold, we can’t wait for people to move in and start their new lives in their new homes once the project is complete.”

Prices start at £78,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and the people who don’t currently own a property can take advantage of the government-backed Help to Buy scheme.

For more information visit www.loomwharf.co.uk.