Pendle News Room

Architecture, landscape and engineering students from Manchester School of Architecture and the University of Manchester have been working together to design a new HQ for arts organisation In-Situ.

Student Andreas Spina from Italy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work on a live project and be a part of this exciting new development in Brierfield.

“Designing the garage for arts organisation In-Situ allows us play with different ideas and possibilities, ranging from a drive in cinema to a renewable energy system that will allow them to generate electricity.”

An exhibition of their exciting designs will be on show at the In-Situ space in Brierfield Library from Monday 18th to Sunday 31st July in Brierfield Library. 

The Library is open from Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5.30pm (closed Tuesday) and  9.30am – 1pm on Saturdays.

“In-Situ has been working creatively at Brierfield Mill for several years,” said director Paul Hartley.

“In 2014 we hosted an International Arts Symposium at the mill and we’ve been running engaging arts events there ever since.

“The huge mill complex has massive potential for arts and culture, which is why we’re developing a permanent home there, in the historic garage building alongside Glen Way,” he explained.

This design and business planning stage for the HQ is being funded by Arts Council England with support from Barnfield Construction, which with Pendle Council, owns Northlight through a joint venture company called PEARL.

The students have been working alongside the Liberata architecture team which works for Pendle Council.  

Leader of Pendle Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, who leads on economic development welcomed the event, saying:

“This helps to put our stunning mill under the spotlight again as work is well underway to bring to life our ambitious plans to transform this iconic landmark into Northlight.

“We’re delighted to support the creative work of In-Situ,” he said.

“It’s vital that arts and culture play an important part at the mill complex, both now and in the future,” he said.

“As Pendle based developers we’re extremely passionate about the Northlight development.

“It’s an exciting project for a stunning complex of historic buildings across a site of over seven acres."