Manchester’s Islington Mill to begin refurbishment

Salford City Council have confirmed £350,000 of funding for the space

The 200-year-old Grade II listed Islington Mill, located off the Islington estate, will start its refurbishment process next week, following on from the news that Salford City Council will be offering the venue £350,000 in funding. Arts Council England will be providing a further £928,000, and the Mill has raised £271,000. Though their £2 million scheme is still short of £500,000, the council will be approving a formal funding agreement next week for the refurbishment to begin.

The ambitious scheme has been designed to make the space more public friendly, with plans to create a new entrance, lift and workspaces for artists in residence on the fifth and sixth floors. The plan will be carried out through two phases.

Salford Council initially considered withdrawing their funding. However, they told Salford Star: “The condition of Islington Mill (a Grade II Listed Building) is steadily deteriorating. This poses a serious risk to the future of IMAC [Islington Mill Art Club] as an organisation and this Grade II listed building’s future if the refurbishment works cannot be delivered in the very near future.”

Click here to donate to Islington Mill.

(via Salford Star)