Group First acquires landmark Northlight
Group First has acquired the freehold of the landmark Northlight development in Brierfield from original developer PEARL, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the historic former cotton mill, which has now seen a total investment of £43 million.
The Lancashire-based property investment and development company has secured ownership of the seven-acre site from PEARL, a joint venture between Pendle Borough Council and Barnfield Investment Properties, which led the ambitious transformation of the former Brierfield Mill.
The acquisition represents the next chapter for Northlight, where Group First now operates four of its brands – Business First, Residential First, Store First and Black Sheep Coffee – bringing together commercial, residential, storage and hospitality facilities within one of Lancashire’s most significant regeneration developments.
Originally built in 1838, the Grade II listed Brierfield Mill stands alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with views towards Pendle Hill. Once a major centre of Lancashire’s cotton industry, the mill closed in 2007 before plans were developed to bring the historic buildings back into use.
PEARL’s vision was to create a destination where people could live, work, learn and enjoy leisure activities, while preserving the site’s important industrial heritage.
Today, the 380,000 sq ft development is home to modern serviced offices through Business First, residential apartments through Residential First, secure self-storage facilities operated by Store First and the popular Black Sheep Coffee.
The wider Northlight complex also accommodates educational, leisure and cultural facilities, including Burnley FC in the Community’s Leisure Box, Lancashire Adult Learning and arts organisation In-Situ.
Toby Whittaker, Managing Director of Group First, said: “Northlight is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when historic buildings are given a new purpose.
“PEARL has played a hugely important role in bringing this ambitious regeneration project to life, and we’re delighted to be taking the next step in Northlight’s journey.
“A big thanks to Tim Webber from Barnfield, without whom none of this would have been possible.
“Having Business First, Residential First, Store First and Black Sheep Coffee all operating from the same development is something we’re incredibly proud of. It shows how different uses can work together to create a thriving community and a destination that has something to offer everyone.
“We’re looking forward to building on everything that has already been achieved and continuing to invest in Northlight’s future.”
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Group First and the Northlight development, building on the regeneration work undertaken by PEARL and securing the next phase in the site’s future.
Northlight has become a prominent example of heritage-led regeneration in Lancashire, preserving an important part of the region’s industrial past while creating opportunities for business, employment, residential living and leisure.