Peter’s grand designs for mill

LOCAL businessman Peter Bryant who has bought the remaining mill building

A VISION for the Wellington Mill in Greenfield is fast becoming a reality thanks to a local businessman.

The only part of the historic wool mill still standing was bought by Uppermill-based entrepreneur Peter Bryant three months ago.

He has funded the venture from his private pension and is determined to help the site become a new hub for Saddleworth.

Peter, (68), said: “It will take a significant amount of money to do the renovation so we need to find the relevant uses that will fit in with it.

“Most people seem to want the building to stay, it’s the only part left from the original mill.

“People have been leaving Saddleworth to shop in Oldham and Ashton, now with the Greenfield development for the first time in 50 years that trend is reversing. Businesses are coming back into Saddleworth and this could be a new centre.”

Peter, who was born in the borough and runs an investment company, says it’s crucial to first find out what the community wants from the building.

A well-attended public meeting recently saw over 50 people give their views, with ideas including small-scale local health facilities, a residential home, a nursery and a community building put on the table.

The chance of more shops that would complement the village, for example cafes and outdoor activity shops, were also mentioned.

The area has already been given a new lease of life with the arrival of Tesco, the development of a new marina and a new housing estate.

Dubbed NewKnoll, to mark a new era for the structure that once housed the Knoll Spinning Company, Peter says the plans have been welcomed.

He said: “I feel it’s essential to consult with people.

“All the controversy about the Tesco development was natural, it involved a big change and move for the area but I think the right decision was made.

“People are now seeing each other in the village that they haven’t seen for years, it’s already becoming a hub.”