An historic Bolton cotton mill could be transformed into ‘modern contemporary’ apartments with a gym and swimming pool if plans are approved.

Manchester-based Four Architects has submitted a planning application to the council to convert the former Bolton Union Mill, in Vernon Street, Halliwell, into at least 120 apartments and six larger ‘duplex’ apartments.

The apartments will be a mix of one and two bedroom flats with the ‘duplexes’ having three bedrooms.

Previous planning applications have been made for the site which looked to demolish the whole building to build a completely new apartment block. But these plans just look to convert the existing mill and build six extra houses.

The Bolton News: A picture outside the Bolton Union Mill from Snowden Street (Image: Google Maps)A picture outside the Bolton Union Mill from Snowden Street (Image: Google Maps)

A planning statement says: “We have successful experience of providing these styles of apartments, which are perfect for young families and their modern living needs. The proposal is to retain the external facade of the building and in places remove the windows to create inset outdoor areas for each apartment. These will be carefully detailed to be sympathetic additions to the building.”

The basement is where the gym and pool will be located for residents, as well as the six duplex apartments.

The statement adds: “These are the larger apartments which are split over two floors and have external access to private gardens. It is thought these would cater for larger families or families that require more space.”

The Bolton News: A 'proposed visual' of the mill conversion (Image: Four Architects)A 'proposed visual' of the mill conversion (Image: Four Architects)

Part of the mill’s roof and internal floor areas will be removed to create an internal courtyard.

The agent adds: “The area on the ground floor provides a safe and secure external space for residents of the mill where they are able to enjoy amenity space. The walkways around the atrium are glazed which allows the heart of the mill to be flooded with natural light.

“At either end of the atrium there are two apartments at each floor which look out into the atrium.

The Bolton News: How one of the floors inside the mill currently looks (Image: Four Architects)How one of the floors inside the mill currently looks (Image: Four Architects)

"We also have the ability to put walk on rooflights into the ground floor which will allow natural light into the swimming pool,” the statement adds.

Bolton Union Mill was originally built in 1875 and production there ended around 1967.