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

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant Barnfield team on new Kerakoll site

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant

27 Jun 2025

2

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light Cubico

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light

26 Jun 2025

3

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes Ravenhead

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes

26 Jun 2025

4

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business Conlon celebrating its first EOT Day with family at Ribby Hall Village

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business

26 Jun 2025

5

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders Northcoders skills support

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders

26 Jun 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
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

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

Business Bike Club – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 Jul 2025 - 01 Jul 2025

Business Bike Club – July

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

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

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

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

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