Developer buys former Victorian silk mill in Midlands to create dozens of luxury apartments

 James Mattin, managing director of Bond Wolfe, explained that the Grade II-listed building was built in the mid-19th century and extends to approximately 17,000 sq ft over four storeys.

 Mr Mattin said: “This former textiles mill has full planning permission and listed building consent for residential conversion to 28 apartments, and a further scheme for 33 apartments has been drawn up.

 “We are delighted to have sold the property to a Midlands developer looking to implement the consented scheme.

 “We have seen a real upturn in demand for conversion opportunities during 2025, and this is another example of an opportunity to retain character properties while providing modern day housing in a convenient location.”

 Planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council described London Mill as “the gateway into Leek” and said it would “act as a catalyst to the further regeneration” of the town when they recommended consent for its planned conversion.

 Nirad Solanki, chief executive of Solanki Holdings UK and International, said: “We are extremely excited to commence this project and aim to deliver 28 apartments within 10 to 12 months.

 “We felt this project fits very well with our love for conservation areas, listed properties and buildings of architectural merit, whilst creating core housing to fit in with our strategic development.

 “We currently have seven other large development schemes underway in various phases, and we always engage in local contractors and tradespeople whilst creating jobs for the long term.”

 The former silk mill was constructed in 1853 on the corner of Well Street and what was then the London Road, now the Ashbourne Road, which is why the building was named London Mill.

 The mill had four huge weaving rooms each capable of holding 40 looms, initially powered by a 12-horse high pressure steam engine.

 The firm J. and J. Brough, Nicholson & Co. bought the London Mill in 1863 and traded from there for nearly a century before selling it to Job White & Sons Ltd, although it has been empty and derelict for many years.

 The mill has various historic features including a clock in the triangular upper part of the main frontage and around 20 original iron windows.

 The first floor has high ceilings, probably built to accommodate the large Jacquard looms which revolutionised textile production in the early 19th century by automating the process of weaving intricate designs in fabrics.

 Kate Bukhrashvili of Solomon Solicitors in Luton provided legal services to the seller, while Chris Stratford of Thomas Flavell & Sons in Hinckley advised the buyer.