Works start on major redevelopment of historic hat factory site

Not-for-profit Extra Care and Retirement Living Provider Housing 21 are working in partnership with contractor Deeley Construction to deliver 70 affordable extra care properties on the site, with work expected to be complete in Spring 2028.

Britannia Mill has been part of Atherstone’s industrial landscape since the first half of the 19^th Century famously producing felt hats. It is even believed to have manufactured comedian Tommy Cooper’s iconic fez.

Despite having planning consent for a 70-unit private extra care scheme for more than a decade, and a number of stalled proposals due to being a listed building and it’s canalside location, the land was proving impossible to sell, with even auctioneers refusing to list it as they feared there would be no bidders. 

Josh Weir, Senior Associate at GLPG, said: “The factory has been vacant for many years and had become both an eyesore and a public safety concern. Both the community and the Local Authority were desperate to see the site regenerated. Although planning consent had been in place for more than 10 years for a private extra care scheme, no developer was willing to take on the challenges of progressing the plans.

“After being instructed by the landowners to market the site, we quickly recognised that while it undoubtedly had a lot of potential, a new approach was needed. We explored the possibility of affordable housing, secured consent via a Section 73 application and redesigned key elements of the scheme, including its layout, to make the development viable.

"I am incredibly proud of the work we have done at GLPG to ensure this complex brownfield site will now be brought forward. It will breathe new life into a plot that has sat derelict for decades, delivering high-quality, 100% affordable housing for the community. It is a credit to the collaborative effort from all sides, including the teams at Deeley Group, Housing 21, the Canal & River Trust, North Warwickshire Council and Homes England.”

GLPG approached Housing 21 and the Deeley Group with the new proposal for the site, leading to a 100% affordable land and package deal structure that enabled the scheme to move forward. Housing 21 acquired the site following an agreement between Deeley Construction and the landowner, brokered by GLPG. 

Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director at Deeley Group, said: “Following many years of inactivity, the demolition of these unsafe, long-derelict buildings signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the site, which will be brought back into productive use for the first time in decades.

“This significant step forward would not have been achieved without the determination and support of North Warwickshire Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust.

“They have shown exceptional commitment throughout, and by combining their dedication with our experience in navigating complex technical and logistical obstacles, we have successfully reached this important stage.”

Ash Round, Delivery Development Manager at Housing 21, commented: “This site will bring much-needed Extra Care housing for people aged 55 and over, with high-quality accessible apartments designed to support independent living with care available on-site.

“The scheme will create a welcoming community, with communal facilities that residents and visitors can enjoy, and a dedicated on-site manager to support day-to-day life. It’s an important step in providing safe, supportive homes for the local community.”

Demolition is expected to be complete by early June, with construction of the new Extra Care scheme beginning the following month.