Group First acquires Northlight freehold

The freehold of the historic former Brierfield Mill, now the Northlight development, has been acquired by Group First.

The property investment firm has taken ownership of the building from original developer PEARL - a joint venture between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment Properties - which has led the transformation of the Grade II listed building, which was originally built in 1843.

The acquisition represents the next chapter for Northlight, where Group First operates four of its brands – Business First, Residential First, Store First and Black Sheep Coffee – bringing together commercial, residential, storage and hospitality facilities within one of Lancashire's most significant regeneration developments which has now seen a total investment of £43 million.

The 380,000 sqft development is home to modern serviced offices through Business First, residential apartments through Residential First, secure self storage facilities operated by Store First and the popular Black Sheep Coffee.

The wider Northlight complex also accommodates educational, leisure and cultural facilities, including Burnley FC in the Community's Leisure Box, Lancashire Adult Learning and arts organisation In-Situ.

Toby Whittaker, managing director of Group First, said: "Northlight is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when historic buildings are given a new purpose.

"PEARL has played a hugely important role in bringing this ambitious regeneration project to life, and we're delighted to be taking the next step in Northlight's journey.

"A big thanks to Tim Webber from Barnfield, without whom none of this would have been possible.

"Having Business First, Residential First, Store First and Black Sheep Coffee all operating from the same development is something we are incredibly proud of. It shows how different uses can work together to create a thriving community and a destination that has something to offer everyone.

"We are looking forward to building on everything that has already been achieved and continuing to invest in Northlight's future."