Out-of-date mill faces demolition

DELTA MILL . . . too large, too old and too expensive to run

BANKNOTE and coin validation business Money Controls has submitted a planning application for residential development on its Delta Mill site in New Coin Street, Royton.

The business, which deals with the amusement and vending industries worldwide as well as transport businesses, intends to remain in Oldham but is looking to downsize.

Ideally the business, which has been at the six-acre mill site since 1984, would like to develop a purpose-built headquarters on a strategic site like the proposed Hollinwood Bowl close to the M60 junction.

Manufacturing director Ken Collett confirmed the plans, adding: “We are currently housed in a building that is too large, too old and too expensive to maintain.

“The current building does not sit well with our image as a progressive high-technology business with blue chip customers around the world.

“We have visitors from the likes of NCL, IBM and some of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers and we recognise that we need to move from the current building.”

But until the former three-storey cotton mill, built in 1902, can be sold to a residential property developer, Money Controls cannot contemplate a move.

Management recognise that in the current economy a profitable sale is unlikely for at least two years and the move to secure outline planning consent now is intended to prepare the business, which has 280 employees, for the economic upturn.

Now Planning LLP, from Manchester, is helping Money Controls with the outline application, which, if successful, would see the demolition of the former cotton mill, which initially had six floors. Three were removed in 1981, three years before Money Controls took over the premises, leaving their former home, the King Mill, in Royton.

Mr Collett concluded: “We will be remaining in Oldham, that is our long-term strategic aim.”