The latest batch of planning approvals by Salford City Council reveals a makeover for Islington Mill, the demolition of Technology House for a Robotics Centre...and the return of the Ordsall Peacock at Ordsall Hall.
For a good few years, Islington Mill has been fundraising and planning improvements to its Grade II listed building*. Now as part of its bid to Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund for grants, the Council has passed its application for a major makeover which will include a new entrance, a cafe, two new apartments, nine artist residency rooms, a new gallery and event space.
"Islington Mill is currently in a state of disrepair and work is required to protect the building to ensure its ongoing survival" states the Council's planning report "The roof is in a very poor state and numerous leaks exist. Upgrades are required to meet fire and access requirements."
As part of the improvements, the existing lift shaft will be replaced, a new external staircase will be added, plus two balconies, new gates and fencing. The Council's heritage officer believes that the changes "are not considered to have a significant detrimental impact upon the character and appearance and significance of the mill", and adds that "The proposal would also help to safeguard this listed heritage asset for future generations which always has to be welcomed."
No objections to the refurbishment were received from the community.
Meanwhile, Technology House, on Lissadel Street and off Frederick Road, previously HQ to lots of creative and regeneration organisations, is to be demolished and replaced with a research Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Centre for the University of Salford...
"The research centre will work with small and medium sized companies within Greater Manchester to develop skills, improve their business and production processes, digital technologies, products or services using robotics and automation" states the planning report.
The new futuristic building will have three laboratories comprising one for food, drinks and packaging, one for 'intelligent infrastructure' and one for health technology, plus offices, training areas, meeting rooms and workshops.
Salford Council has also passed planning permission for the Ordsall Peacock to be re-sited in the grounds of Ordsall Hall, after being 'rescued' from Salford City College a few years ago.**
The bronze sculpture, by acclaimed artist Gertrude Hermes, whose work also appears in The Tate and the National Portrait Gallery, was originally commissioned by Salford Education Board in 1961, for the New Salford Girls School in Ordsall but, following the school's closure, it 'disappeared' in the late 1980s, only to be found in the grounds of Salford City College's building off Frederick Road.
It was later returned as part of a community project to the Ordsall Community Arts building and is being restored by artist Noah Rose, as part of a £42,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which also includes an oral histories programme.
It was originally intended to site the Peacock at Primrose Hill primary school but, due to safety concerns of young kids climbing on it, the sculpture will now be based in a flower bed at the front of Ordsall Hall.
* For a full background see previous Salford Star article on Islington Mill – click here
** For a full background see previous Salford Star article on the Ordsall Peacock – click here
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