Leek team to transform iconic textile mill into modern apartments
Work is under way to convert Grade II-listed London Mill into 'high quality homes'
A team with roots in the Staffordshire Moorlands is breathing new life into an iconic Leek textile mill, converting the derelict building into nearly 30 modern apartments.
The architects, consultants and contractors working on the project – as well as the building’s owner – all either grew up in Leek or the surrounding area, or now live locally, and say it is an ‘honour’ to be part of such a high-profile development in their home district.
Scaffolding will soon go up on London Mill in Ashbourne Road, after enabling works to secure and preserve the Grade II-listed building through the winter were completed in December. The 12-month project will create 21 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments, with homes expected to be ready from late 2026 to early 2027.
Hanley-based Inc Architects and Brada Developments are working on the project, alongside C2C Consulting Engineers, based in Hartshill. Sammons Architectural, based in Leek, prepared the planning application in 2022.
Inc director Kim Mountford, who grew up in Cheddleton and attended Westwood College in Leek, said: “It is an honour to work on this exciting project to transform one of the iconic buildings that make up Leek’s identity. Growing up around the town’s industrial heritage inspired me to go into architecture.
“London Mill is a very functional and utilitarian warehouse – not fancy or ornate – which was built for a purpose and will now go on to have a new life instead of falling further into disrepair.
“The recent loss of Big Mill – a building I always wanted to work on – was tragic and it is great that we have the opportunity to take the London Mill building forward.”
Structural engineer Sam Walker, of C2C Consulting Engineers, who is also from Cheddleton, added: “It’s easy to pass these old buildings without giving them a second thought. Having grown up in the town, when I saw the project gaining traction, I was keen to get involved.
“It has been refreshing to work with such an inspired local design team that has the same common interest in preserving the town’s heritage.”
The mill, which dates back to 1853, was associated with one of Leek’s dominant silk and textile companies, Brough, Nicholson and Hall Limited. Many of the building’s original features, including masonry and brickwork, will be incorporated into the new development.
The building is undergoing thermal improvements as part of the conversion and will be fitted out with sustainable heating and ventilation systems to bring it up to modern standards.
The building’s owner, Nirad Solanki, chairman of Solanki Holdings, who lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands, added: “London Mill is more than just another project for me. A Grade II listed silk mill in the heart of Leek carries generations of craftsmanship in its brickwork and scale. I was drawn to the opportunity to take a building that helped shape the town and give it a strong future.
“The 28 new-build apartments will bring much-needed homes and new activity, but it’s vital we respect the mill’s heritage at the same time. London Mill gives us the chance to protect an important part of Leek’s history while creating high-quality homes for today.”