Iconic Oldham building could be demolished

Hartford Mill

Built in 1907, Hartford Mill ceased cotton spinning in the 1950s and was then later used by Littlewoods for mail ordering until 1991.

Vacant since then, the structure has deteriorated over time and has attracted intruders, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

Despite marketing being undertaken for a range of potential future uses over the last 25 years, the owner has been unable to secure a deliverable scheme for its re-use. 

Oldham Council is now submitting a Listed Building Consent application seeking the total demolition of all structures within Hartford Mill and for the cleared site to be left fenced and secure.

If approved, this would allow the owner to demolish the listed building and work with the council to secure a new future for the site – helping to achieve the wider vision of improving the choice and quality of homes in Werneth.

This move comes following a comprehensive examination of all options for retaining the mill, plus consultations with local people, political representatives, Historic England and other key stakeholders.

The Listed Building Consent application will be submitted by Oldham Council this week (beginning 28th August 2018). Following this there will be a 13-week public consultation before the application is heard by the Planning Committee.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Oldham Council Leader, said: “Hartford Mill has long blighted the local area and has been an eyesore for years.

“It’s also become a target for anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping and under my leadership I’m keen to finally deliver a solution and a future for this site.

“When people travel through Oldham on the Metrolink line they we don’t want a deteriorating old mill to be what they see – and it’s certainly not what residents should have to look at every day.

“Everyone deserves to live in decent areas where families and communities can prosper and feel proud. 

“Oldham is an aspirational place to live, work and invest and to continue that improvement we must make full use of sites like Hartford Mill.

“This is a huge site with great potential and excellent transport links. I fully support the demolition of Hartford Mill and want to breathe new life into the area, providing more good quality homes that the people of Oldham deserve.”