Former cotton mill transformed into modern coworking space

A historically important former mill in Pendle has been given a new lease of life as a modern collaborative workspace for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The grade 2 listed building, known as Northlight, had fallen into disrepair and was named by English Heritage as a listed building at risk. The building has now been saved from an uncertain future and turned into an impressive collaborative workspace, operated by Business First. After months of work it is now open business and the first tenants have moved in.

Business First is based in Burnley and has a further 8 locations around the North of England and into Scotland. Phase one of the renovation has seen an investment of £4m with further developments planned for the future.

                                                                       

Northlight has been developed by PEARL, a joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties Limited and Pendle Council. It was once home to 2800 looms in four weaving sheds. Now a portion of those buildings has been tastefully restored into contemporary offices and a coworking hub, retaining the style and character of the original building. It's a thoroughly modern facility which will serve businesses and entrepreneurs for years to come.

The building is close to the hearts of local residents, many of which have memories of working there before its doors closed in 2007.

A spokesman for Business First commented:

"Northlight is more than just a suite of luxury offices in a stunning location. It's a place for creativity, collaboration, and networking."

Image Caption: Northlight's luxury reception area has a full time concierge service

"We're seeing a new way of working where the traditional office is falling from favour. In response we're providing a flexible workspace, totally customizable to the needs of individual businesses."

Northlight offers a range of offices, coworking spaces and break out areas, all with ultrafast WiFi and a fulltime concierge service. Several early adopters have already moved in.

One such company is Red Hawk Group, an Energy management consultancy. Director Billy Ingham explained:

"It's such an impressive building and there's everything right here. It's like a city centre location in rural Lancashire, but right next to the M65, so it's an absolutely ideal location."

Image Caption: Billy Ingham, Director at Red Hawk Group

Another organisation already to have moved in is HIFU Clinics North West. Directors Louise Chung and Becca Mousley commented:

"We're looking to expand our business so we need a space that can grow with us. When you first see Northlight it has a massive impact. It's a beautiful building, and when you come inside it just gets better and better."

Image Caption: Louise Chung (L) and Becca Mousley (R), Directors of HiFu Clinics North West

Health and Safety consultant and training provider, Sensible Safety has also relocated to Northlight. They will be using the space as a main office and to run training courses. Director Damian Chung explained why:

"It's a very good space for learning. We've got room for large groups, and the superfast internet is essential for our training sessions. The comfortable coffee break spaces are also ideal for our delegates to relax in between training sessions."

Image Caption: Damien Chung (L) and Chris Fancy (R), Directors of Sensible Safety

Local entrepreneur Nicola Edwards has chosen the location for an office and workshop for her bespoke carpet edging business.

She said:

"I wanted a nice upmarket feel for the office because I need somewhere impressive to bring people. Northlight is ideal for that, the attention to detail in the renovation is fantastic."

Image Caption: Entrepreneur Nicola Edwards, Director of Nicola Edwards Bespoke Carpet Edging

The new facility has got plenty of appeal for all types of organisations. Community Arts by ZK is a social enterprise using art workshops as a tool for addressing social problems like loneliness and social anxiety. CEO Zaneb Khatun explained why she chose to locate at Northlight:

"I've got a textiles background, so I felt an affinity with the building. Northlight used to be a textile mill and there's a real sense of that when you arrive. We've been able reorganise the space for our resident artists and their workshops. It's ideal for our purposes."

Image Caption: Zaneb Khatun, CEO of Community Arts by ZK

Northlight is already proving very popular with companies and their clients. Spaces are filling up fast.

For a closer look at Northlight, watch the introductory video, here: https://vimeo.com/485501991/71aea2d65e and for more information on Business First and the Northlight facility visit the website www.businessfirst.co.uk or call 01282 330330 to speak to a member of staff.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Scott Dawson Advertising

Latest news

1

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin