Houldsworth Business & Arts Centre
Houldsworth Street, Reddish, Stockport SK5 6DA, United Kingdom
| Former Use: | Cotton spinning and weaving mill |  |
| New Use: | Business & Arts Centre, apartments, commercial and leisure uses | |
| Category: | Commerce/retail, Office, Recreation, Residential | |
| Website: | https://www.houldsworthmill.co.uk/who-we-are/ | |
| Original Architect: | Stott & Sons Architects | |
| Reuse Architect: | Stephenson Bell | |
| Construction year(s): | 1865 - | |
| Reuse year(s): | 2000 - |
Description:
Houldsworth Mill was built by Stott & Sons Architects for Sir William Houldsworth at the height of the cotton production in the north-west of England. In 1860, there were 2,650 cotton mills in the Lancashire region, employing a total of 440,000 people. At the time Houldsworth Mill opened in 1865, it was the largest cotton-spinning Mill in the World, covering 64 acres (260,000 m2) and employing 454 workers (more than 3 x avg).
Boasting an impressive 136,692 spindles Houldsworth Mill operated at an 80 – 250 spun thread count. In 1898 it amalgamated with the Fine Cotton Spinners Association, of which Sir William Houldsworth was the Chairman.
The cotton mill comprises of a 110ft tall octagonal chimney, set on a plinth with a highly embellished oversailer that dominates the local skyline. The building has retained much of its Victorian charm, effortlessly displaying its grand double frontage, providing an iconic image over the Reddish landscape.(1)
This mill was converted by Stephenson Bell architects. It provides 70 shared ownership apartments for social housing provider Northern Counties Housing Association, start-up units for emerging high-technology and arts based businesses with commercial and leisure uses at the lower floors to provide active frontages. (2)
Relevant Literature:
- https://www.houldsworthmill.co.uk/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houldsworth_Mill,_Reddish
- Stratton, M. 2003. Industrial Buildings: Conservation and Regeneration, London, Taylor & Francis, p.190