A CULTURAL hub in the heart of Leigh will celebrate the launch of all five floors being open this weekend.
With Leigh Spinners Mill boasting one of the finest double mill structures across the country, the building is a world away from its former use in the cotton industry.
With the huge building mostly derelict, the Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT) began regenerating the space in 2014 and has slowly grown to host dozens of independent businesses and organisations across Mill 2's four floors.
With a focus on affordable rents, the mill now boasts a music studio, art gallery, independent cinema, museum, gym, record shop, and much more, and the LBPT team is now ready to unveil the fifth and final floor with a 'Grand Opening' event.
READ > Controversial plans for 99 homes at on former Green Belt land look set for go-ahead
With the Grand Opening planned for Saturday, June 15, the new fifth floor tenants will be open to the public, including Clothears Costumes & Props, Hive and Honey farm, Neon Lights, Stat magazine, and more.
A total of 78 businesses across the mill will be open for guests to drop in or get involved in taster sessions, which will also include a mixture of Maker's Market stalls and the mill's grand heritage museum.
Greater Manchester Mayor and former Leigh MP Andy Burnham will open the event and serve as keynote speaker, while LBPT Trustees, Jo Platt and Paul Costello, will also give a speech to mark the occasion.
Bedford High School band will also perform live to entertain guests.
A spokesperson for LBPT said: "We are looking forward to our grand opening of Mill 2 on June 15th.
"LBPT will be celebrating the community of amazing tenants from all floors, tenants will have an open door welcoming all visitors showcasing the services they offer our local communities."
With dozens more businesses on the waiting list at Leigh Spinners Mill, the long term plan is to regenerate and offer tenant space at Mill 1.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here