THE imposing Ena Mill at Atherton is earmarked to become a Mecca for shoppers and heritage enthusiasts.

The five-storey Grade Two-listed mill was built 102 years ago and for almost 90 years played a prominent role in Britain’s textile industry.

Its chimney is an Atherton landmark, but now it will be turned into a shoppers’ paradise and a magnet for those who appreciate the area’s industrial past.

Now, Atherton businessman Simon Yates, who runs the QS (Big Label) store based there, aims to convert the building into an outlet for major retail brands and a mill machinery museum.

And Mr Yates, whose father, Les, a former market stallholder, had the vision to rejuvenate the Flapper Fold Lane mill and its 3.5- acre site, believes his plans will help bring prosperity to the town.

He said: “We’re selling off our stock at half price and the store will close in late summer then reopen on September 17 with a new image.” Workmen are busy behind the scenes doubling the size of the floorspace by opening up non-structural partition walls to create a new look home for fashion and household goods.

“We will also be creating an educational facility, with mill machinery from Trencherfield at Wigan being relocated here to create a museum and some of that machinery was originally part of the Ena Mill,”

said Mr Yates.

“It will soon be a case of ‘look for the chimney’ and Atherton is in a central position to attract people from throughout the North West.

“All the brands we are bringing in are not going to hurt Atherton but attract more people with a spin-off for existing businesses in town.

“The Ena Mill will be like Oswaldtwistle Mills, Boundary Mill, Batley Mill and the Lowry Centre.”

And although staff will be made redundant during the closure while structural work is carried out, they will be given the opportunity to reapply for their positions and Mr Yates said extra jobs would be created