Wishful Beginnings

As the exciting redevelopment of a Clitheroe landmark takes shape, entrepreneur James Warburton gives Ribble Valley Revealed an insight into the project, writes David Fearnhead

The development of Holmes Mill is close to realising the first phase of its evolution with Bowland Brewery going into production from the new site. The brewery is at the heart of an ambitious development set to revitalise one of Clitheroe’s historic industrial buildings. The brewery will neighbour a large beer hall where up to 36 different kinds of artisan ale will be served.

The new development was born after the demand for Bowland beer constantly outstripped supply. This new location will allow the company to grow as tastes have a returned to micro-brewed local ales.

A small brewery kitchen where people can come and brew their own beer in tiny batches is also in the planning, alongside a private beer-tasting room.

The new development is also good news for the Forest of Bowland’s most iconic but increasingly rare resident, the hen-harrier. Bowland Brewery named their flagship beer after the majestic bird of prey, and have pledged a percentage of sales of the beer to go directly to RSPB’s hen harrier conservation projects.

It’s all part of the ethos of developer James Warburton and his team, who are passionate about preserving and promoting the Bowland region. Holmes Mill is his biggest project to date: “It’s a big idea because the site needed it,” says James.

“As each piece has come in it’s got more exciting. I hate wishing my life away, every second is sacred, but I’m so excited about the finished product that I want to get there. We are looking at an early July 16 opening for phase one, so it’s all systems go!”

Industrial retro is the big trend at the moment, fitting perfectly with the building’s heritage, but James says that they are also putting their own contemporary twist on it.

Planning permission has been granted for the whole project subject to conditions.

Still to come in phase two are a large function room which can serve as a pop-up cinema – bringing back classic Film Noir to a new and appreciative audience. There’ll also be cookery schools for children and adults and the space can also host live comedy, theatre, and music.

“It’s a multi-use function room, so we hope to keep it as busy as we can,” says James. “Live music is something we want to get stuck into, building on the great work that The Grand have put in to getting Clitheroe on the live music map.”

Space for an apartment/hotel comprising 31 suites with over 40 bedrooms is also in the planning. And phase three will see the weaving shed transformed into a gym, with a pool and urban spa.
“The focus will be on wellbeing, but without the cliché tinkly Japanese music in the background.”

The complex will produce much of its own food and beverages, taking the locally produced theme to a micro scale. James Warburton talks with passion about working with local suppliers to ensure everyone can benefit and there is another reason too: “People are moving away from the homogeny of mass production, as they realise local produce just tastes so much better.

“We’ve got a fantastic supply base. We source everything as local as we can. We want to focus on the best of Bowland produce and of Lancashire too. At The Emporium we were doing the local thing long before the local thing became a fad, the suppliers were also our customers!”

In Holmes Mill’s heyday as a working mill it employed close to 200 people and James says he hopes the new development will provide between 140 and 180 full and part-time jobs.

“Our existing staff want to develop and progress, growing the business is a means to offer them that opportunity and keep talented people.  Service is at the heart of what we do. Because I live locally and we employ a lot of local people there really isn’t anywhere to hide. We want to be good, and we have to be good.”

Holmes Mill
Greenacre Street, Clitheroe BB7 1EB

For more details, opening hours and menus:
facebook/HolmesMill

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