Astley Bridge Mill

Astley Bridge Mill is a five-story cotton spinning mill in Bolton featuring steel-concrete construction, red terracotta details, and a copper-domed stairway tower. The rectangular building has large unglazed window frames that now serve as balcony screens for the residential apartments within.

The building was constructed in 1926 for Sir John Holden and Sons Ltd. and was the last cotton spinning mill built in Bolton. It marks the end of the city's textile manufacturing era.

The mill reflects the design trends of the 1920s with Art Deco details and modern building techniques that were common in industrial architecture of that period. Its conversion to apartments while keeping its original exterior shows how factories can be adapted for residential use without losing their character.

The building now functions as residential apartments with preserved historic exterior features that can be viewed from the street. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and design elements from the outside while respecting the privacy of residents inside.

The mill was pioneering in its direct use of electricity supplied from local power stations, eliminating the need for traditional on-site boiler houses and smokestacks. This technical innovation fundamentally changed how industrial buildings needed to be designed and operated.

Location: Bolton

GPS coordinates: 53.60605,-2.43030

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24