Plans to transform a Trawden “eyesore” into a highly sought after housing development have now come to fruition.
Work has now been completed on the former site of Hollin Hall Mill — with 50% of the properties having already been sold.
The once derelict Empress Mills, which has now been aptly named Float’s Mill, has been raising concern for a decade.
But thanks to the efforts of Rainbow Homes the area has now been given a welcomed new lease of life.
It is made up of townhouses, apartments, semi-detached homes and also two three and four bedroom detached properties ranging from £199,950 to £279,950 in value.
Director at Petty’s Simon Morgan said:“The scheme really does have such a chequered history and for the past 10 years was an eyesore to the community.
“The part built scheme was literally left to stand and for local people was the cause of much concern, however, Rainbow Homes has worked tirelessly since 2011 to re-develop the former mill and its surroundings to what it is today — a stunning development that is now the talk of the town for all the right reasons.”
Since its completion, Float’s Mill has been at the centre of praise from local residents and councillors.
For Dean Aston, who runs his own construction company Top Class Building, it is a transformation that is “long overdue” but one that has definitely been “well worth the wait”.
He and his wife Kate, who was brought up in Gladstone Terrace, have been living on the site for the past nine months.
He said: “I fell in love with Trawden village and the friendly locals so much so that we bought a cottage on Lane House where we spent three very happy years.
“We would often walk over the tops and see the old mill site and I can honestly say that when you looked at the village as a whole the old mill stood out as a cold oppressive building and in my eyes took something away from the beauty of our village.
“The new houses and apartments at Float’s Mill are now adding to the village, and we intend to stay here for the rest of our lives as this quiet little place is more than just pretty — it’s a way of life.”
Hollin Hall Mill was built around 1855, and over the years was occupied by a number of different tenants, including James Moorhouse and Sons Ltd, H. W. Bannister and William Baird Textiles.
Commenting on the most recent development of the site, Coun. Joe Cooney said: “It is good that we are getting a former derelict site back into use.
“It is far more suited to a residential development, given its location.”
For more information on the newly developed Float’s Mill ring 868686.
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