Leigh Building Preservation Trust 

Protecting Heritage, Creating Opportunity

Leigh Building Preservation Trust was established to preserve and regenerate Leigh Spinners Mill, ensuring one of the town’s most important historic landmarks could continue to serve the community for generations to come. 

Since taking ownership of the mill in 2015, the Trust has transformed a largely vacant industrial building into a thriving community hub, supporting businesses, culture, heritage, education and local organisations. 

Today, Leigh Spinners Mill is home to more than 100 tenants and continues to provide opportunities for local people, businesses and community groups to grow and thrive. 

Our Vision

To transform derelict buildings into thriving community hubs. 

Across the UK, many historic buildings stand empty and at risk of being lost forever. Leigh Building Preservation Trust believes these buildings still have an important role to play within their communities. 

By preserving heritage assets and giving them a sustainable future, we can create opportunities for businesses, community organisations and local people while protecting the stories and character that make our towns unique. 

Exterior view of Leigh Spinners Mill showing the historic red brick façade, large mill windows and the original Leigh Spinners Mill lettering on the building.

Our Story

Leigh Building Preservation Trust was founded on the belief that historic buildings deserve a future, not just a past. 

Across the country, many former mills, factories and industrial buildings have been left empty, neglected or demolished. While these buildings often require significant investment, they also hold the stories, memories and identity of the communities that grew around them. 

The Trust was established by a group of people who recognised the importance of preserving Leigh’s industrial heritage while creating opportunities for future generations. Their ambition was not simply to save a building, but to create a place that could once again contribute to the economic, cultural and social life of the town. 

Today, Leigh Spinners Mill provides space for businesses, community organisations, creative projects and visitor attractions. It is a place where people can work, learn, create and connect, continuing the tradition of opportunity and enterprise that has always been part of the mill’s story. 

The success of the project reflects the dedication of trustees, volunteers, tenants, partners and supporters who share a commitment to preserving the past while investing in the future. 

Our Impact

Heritage Preservation

Protecting and preserving one of Leigh’s most important historic buildings for future generations. 

Supporting Businesses

Providing affordable space for businesses, organisations and entrepreneurs to grow. 

Community Development

Supporting community groups, volunteers, events and local initiatives. 

Regeneration

Bringing a historic building back into productive use and supporting the future of Leigh.

The Mill Today 

Home to more than 100 businesses, organisations and attractions  

Over 6,000 square metres of space brought back into use 

Heritage, community, culture and enterprise under one roof 

A growing community of tenants, volunteers and local organisations 

Ongoing restoration and investment across the site 

Trustees & Board Members

The success of Leigh Spinners Mill is driven by the commitment of a dedicated team of trustees and board members. Bringing together experience from business, education, community organisations and public service, they work to ensure the mill continues to thrive for future generations.

Paul Anthony Costello, Chair of Trustees, Leigh Building Preservation Trust

Paul Anthony Costello

Chair of Trustees

Leslie John Thomas, Trustee, Leigh Building Preservation Trust

Les Thomas

Trustee

Alan James Prescott, Trustee Leigh Building Preservation Trust

Alan James Prescott

Trustee

Jane Shaw, Trustee company secretary, Leigh Building Preservation Trust

Jane Shaw

Trustee company secretary

Keith Cunliffe, Board Member, Leigh Building Preservation Trust

Keith Cunliffe

Trustee

Portrait of Peter David Gray, trustee of the Horrocks Building Preservation Trust, photographed inside Leigh Spinners Mill.

Peter David Gray Horrocks

Trustee

Get Involved

The work of Leigh Building Preservation Trust goes beyond preserving a historic building. It is about creating opportunities, supporting communities and ensuring Leigh Spinners Mill continues to serve future generations.

If you’d like to learn more about the Trust, volunteering opportunities or ways to get involved, please get in touch.