Demolition of a former hat factory in Atherstone is progressing at pace with the site set to be transformed into a new Extra Care scheme.
Midlands-based Deeley Construction and leading not-for-profit Extra Care and Retirement Living provider Housing 21 are working in partnership to bring forward the new 70-apartment development.
Britannia Mill has been a prominent feature of Atherstone’s industrial landscape for generations but has stood vacant for more than 20 years, falling into significant disrepair.
After more than a decade of stalled proposals, demolition is now well underway, with North Warwickshire Borough Council, Homes England and Deeley Group helping to unlock the scheme despite complex technical and legal challenges.
The demolition is expected to complete by early June, with construction of the new Extra Care scheme beginning the following month.
A partial canal closure will remain in place for the duration of demolition works to ensure public safety, with Deeley Construction working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust to facilitate this.
Councillor David Wright, Leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, said:
“Britannia Mill has long been part of Atherstone’s proud industrial heritage, and we recognise the connection many residents have to it. However, after more than two decades standing empty, the building has deteriorated significantly and poses ongoing safety concerns. The demolition marks an important and positive step forward, removing a long-standing risk and unlocking the opportunity to bring the site back into productive use. It reflects a careful balance between addressing current concerns and allowing the town to look positively towards the future.”
Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director at Deeley Group, said:
“After many years of waiting, demolition of the existing unsafe, derelict buildings, marks the start of a new beginning for the sight which be brought back into active use for the first time in many years. This major milestone would not have been possible without the support and tenacity of North Warwickshire Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust. They have truly gone the extra mile, and the combination of their commitment and our expertise in overcoming complex technical and logistical challenges has brought us to this stage.”
Housing 21 has acquired the site after Deeley Group sealed a deal with the landowner.
The scheme will deliver much-needed Extra Care housing while bringing a prominent site in Atherstone back into active use.
Ash Round, Delivery Development Manager at Housing 21, said:
“We’re pleased to see progress at the former Britannia Works site in Atherstone, marking an important step in bringing this development forward. This site will bring much-needed Extra Care housing for people aged 55 and over, with high-quality accessible apartments designed to support independent living with care available on-site. The scheme will create a welcoming community, with communal facilities that residents and visitors can enjoy, and a dedicated on-site manager to support day-to-day life. It’s an important step in providing safe, supportive homes for the local community.”