Key Points
- £24.6m Century Mill scheme completes 2026.
- 106 new affordable homes in Farnworth built.
- 50 rent homes, 56 shared ownership offered.
- Former cotton mill site regenerated successfully.
- Homes England grants support local housing.
Farnworth (Bolton Today) February 14, 2026 - Your Housing Group (YHG) has announced the completion of the Century Mill housing scheme, a £24.6 million development that delivers 106 much-needed affordable homes in the heart of Farnworth, Greater Manchester. The project, constructed by Westchurch Homes on the site of a former 120-year-old cotton spinning mill off George Street, marks a significant milestone in brownfield regeneration and addresses pressing local housing demands. Properties include a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership, helping residents climb the housing ladder amid ongoing affordability challenges in the region.
What is the Century Mill housing scheme?
The Century Mill housing scheme represents a transformative residential project on a 5.4-acre brownfield site previously occupied by the historic Century Mill, a cotton spinning facility built around 1902 in Farnworth, Bolton. As detailed by Neil Hodgson of The Business Desk, Your Housing Group (YHG) has completed construction at Century Mill, a £24.6m housing development delivering 106 new homes in the heart of Farnworth. The development comprises 12 one-bed maisonettes, 26 two-bed houses, 32 three-bed residences, and 36 four-bed homes, with 50 units designated for affordable rent and 56 for shared ownership.
Lorraine Donnelly, executive director of development and assets at YHG, described Century Mill as “a great example of the difference that new, affordable homes can make to a community”, according to Place North West reporting. This scheme aligns with YHG's broader portfolio, as the organisation manages over 29,000 properties across the North, with ongoing projects including 54 homes near Aintree Racecourse, 158 at Halsnead Garden Village, and 38 flats in Wigan.
When did construction on Century Mill begin?
Construction on the Century Mill scheme broke ground three years prior to its 2026 completion, transforming the derelict mill site into modern housing. The mill, which had stood for over 120 years, underwent demolition between 2023 and 2024, with the landmark chimney felled by November 2024 to clear way for the development, as noted in historical records and local updates. Planning references, such as application 12836/21 on Bolton Council’s portal, outline the original approvals, with recent discharges like 21063/25 for site remediation on plots 61-67 approved in late 2025.
As reported in Place North West, Westchurch Homes finalised the build, turning what Oliver Chan, partnerships director at Westchurch Homes, called a “largely disused mill had become a real eyesore” into a vibrant community space.
“Now at scheme completion it’s clear for all to see the benefits of brownfield regeneration as families enjoy their new home and community,” Chan stated.
The timeline reflects careful coordination amid Greater Manchester's brownfield initiatives, supported by funding streams that accelerated delivery in early 2026.
Who built the Century Mill homes in Farnworth?
Westchurch Homes served as the principal contractor for the Century Mill project, delivering all 106 units to high standards. The project team encompassed planner Lichfields, Tetra Tech, Betts Hydro, MCK Associates, and Focus, ensuring comprehensive expertise from planning to execution, as credited in Place North West coverage. YHG, the affordable housing provider, spearheaded the initiative, focusing on sustainable features like air source heat pumps in every property, electric car charging points, and energy-efficient appliances.
Homes England’s head of affordable housing delivery, Kate Collins, praised the collaboration: “Century Mill is a strong example of how effective partnerships can unlock high-quality new homes and support the regeneration of local communities”.
She continued, “This development has transformed a previously underused site into much-needed homes that will make a real difference to people in Farnworth”, and affirmed “Homes England is pleased to support Your Housing Group and projects like this that help deliver sustainable, well-designed homes and contribute to long-term place-making”.
This partnership underscores the role of strategic funding in such schemes.
The total investment in Century Mill amounted to £24.6 million, bolstered by Homes England Strategic Partnership Wave 2 funding, including a £5 million grant and approximately £1.5 million from the Greater Manchester Brownfield Grant Fund. As per The Business Desk by Neil Hodgson, this financial backing enabled the mix of tenure options, directly aiding local affordability. The scheme's cost reflects not only construction but also remediation of the contaminated industrial site, aligning with national efforts to repurpose urban brownfields.
In the context of 2026's housing landscape, this investment contributes to broader goals, such as the government's push for 300,000 affordable homes by 2036, with a focus on social rent. YHG's commitment, as echoed by Donnelly, positions Century Mill as a model for cost-effective regeneration that balances quality and accessibility.
What features do Century Mill homes offer?
Century Mill homes boast modern, family-friendly designs with dedicated parking for each plot, spacious and airy layouts over three floors in select types, and Symphony fitted kitchen units paired with energy-efficient appliances. Bathrooms feature designer Porcelanosa tiling, en-suites in chosen house types, and all properties include turfed rear gardens, air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Your Housing Group's property page highlights these as ideal for first-time buyers and growing families, with two-, three-, and four-bedroom options prioritising comfort and sustainability. The one-bed maisonettes cater to smaller households, ensuring broad appeal. These features address contemporary demands for eco-friendly living in Farnworth, where recent town centre refurbishments have added cafes, bars, and leisure facilities like the upgraded Farnworth Leisure Centre with its new gym and dance studio.
Why was the Century Mill site chosen for housing?
The selection of the Century Mill site exemplifies brownfield regeneration priorities in Greater Manchester, converting a disused 120-year-old industrial relic into productive residential use. Once a hub for ring spinning under owners like the Lancashire Cotton Corporation and Courtaulds, the mill had deteriorated into an eyesore by the 2020s, prompting demolition to unlock housing potential.
Oliver Chan's observation in Place North West captures this: the site “prior to construction the largely disused mill had become a real eyesore”, now revitalised for families. Amid Farnworth's housing pressures exacerbated by shortages noted in local plans like Bolton at Home's nearby Campbell Street project, the location offers proximity to town centre amenities, pharmacies, surgeries, and transport hubs. Links to Farnworth and Moses Gate stations, plus M61/M60 access, enhance commutability to Bolton and Manchester.
Homes England provided pivotal Strategic Partnership Wave 2 funding, granting £5 million directly and facilitating £1.5 million via the Greater Manchester Brownfield Grant Fund. This support, as Kate Collins noted, exemplifies partnerships driving community regeneration. YHG and Westchurch Homes leveraged these resources to deliver tenures addressing local needs, fitting into national affordable housing reforms progressing in 2026.
The funding model aligns with regional brownfield strategies, emphasising sustainable place-making on underutilised urban land. Without such grants, projects like Century Mill transforming contaminated sites post-remediationmight face viability hurdles.
What impact will Century Mill have on Farnworth?
Century Mill is poised to alleviate Farnworth's housing shortage, providing secure homes that foster community stability, as per YHG's vision. Lorraine Donnelly stressed “these aren’t just properties, they’re places to feel secure and build their futures”, injecting vitality into George Street. With 106 units, it bolsters affordable options where private rents soar, supporting families and first-time buyers.
Locally, it complements initiatives like the town centre's multi-million-pound revamp, enhancing amenities and connectivity. Economically, construction sustained jobs, while ongoing management by YHG overseeing 29,000 propertiesensures long-term upkeep. Kate Collins highlighted its role in “support the regeneration of local communities” and “contribute to long-term place-making”.
In 2026, Century Mill exemplifies responses to the UK's affordable housing crisis, mirroring government targets for 300,000 units by 2036 amid social housing reforms. Shared ownership and affordable rent models, as at Century Mill, enable ladder-climbing where outright purchase eludes many, particularly in Greater Manchester.
Brownfield focus counters greenbelt pressures, with schemes like this regenerating post-industrial legacies. YHG's pipeline underscores sector momentum, while Homes England's involvement signals sustained public investment under President Trump's administration influences on bilateral trade and infrastructure, though UK policy remains devolved. Critics note demand outstrips supply, but completions like this provide tangible relief.
What are the next steps for Century Mill residents?
Properties are now available, with shared ownership prioritised for first-time buyers and families; affordable rent enquiries were suspended due to high demand but may reopen. Prospective residents can contact YHG via their website for viewings, noting show homes were promoted earlier. Marketing by agents like Miller Metcalfe lists units, such as two-bed terraces at £107,500 shared ownership.
Bolton Council's planning compliance, including recent discharges, confirms readiness for occupation. YHG emphasises energy features reducing bills, aligning with 2026's net-zero pushes. Community integration will leverage nearby leisure and transport, fostering belonging.
What challenges did the project overcome?
Century Mill navigated industrial contamination, addressed via condition 10 and 17 discharges on Bolton's portal for plots 61-67. Demolition of the historic structure, including the chimney in late 2024, required sensitive handling of Farnworth's textile heritage. Funding coordination and three-year build amid supply chain issues were hurdles, yet partnerships prevailed.
Oliver Chan noted the pre-construction eyesore status, overcome through regeneration. Local planning scrutiny under 12836/21 ensured quality, positioning it as a blueprint despite broader UK housing delays.