Barrow Bridge Chimney up for sale in Bolton
A famous local Bolton landmark is heading onto the property market
The original Barrow Bridge Chimney, a local landmark in Bolton has recently come onto the property market.
It’s all that remains of the former Halliwell Bleach Works and dates back to 1863.
The Halliwell Bleach Works were founded by Peter Ainsworth in 1739 and acquired a reputation in the 19th century for the early use of chlorine gas in the bleaching process.
It was made famous by the legendary Steeplejack Fred Dibnah, who he claimed to have climbed the chimney in the 1979 document ‘Steeplejack’ – all to win a 10 shilling bet when he was just 15-years-old.
Planning permission was granted by Bolton Council for the site, which currently holds a 280-foot high, Grade II listed chimney, and the property is now on the market as a unique family home.
Photo: Miller Metcalfe
What restrictions does the planning proposal contain?
The planning proposal retains the materials, features and details of the listed structure.
Bolton Councils Policy also states that some listed buildings are no longer required for their original uses and there’s a danger that some buildings can lie empty and deteriorate – increasing pressure to demolish them.
The Council will try and avoid this by allowing alternative uses, as long as they don’t harm the character and appearance of the building and its setting.
The best way of securing the upkeep of listed buildings is generally to keep them in active use – new uses that conserve or enhance listed buildings will normally be allowed.
It’s also been encouraged that the development incorporate high standards of sustainability, with an aim to improve the environmental performance of the house.
For example, the use of solar power is extremely relevant to this project, due to the layout and positioning of the Barrow Bridge Chimney above the trees, allowing for the use of photovoltaic cells to be located on the upper deck to the whole 360 degrees perimeter.
Photo: Miller Metcalfe
What is the layout of the property?
The unit will incorporate a mixed two story living accommodation.
The main area to the north west face of the site will consist of a lounge, dining area and kitchen.
The main bedroom, also on the first level, will be to the south east of the building.
Access to the second level will be via two staircases within the proposed structure, giving access to two further bedrooms and bathrooms.
There’ll also be an en-suite area for the main bedroom on the first level, creating a mezzanine above.
It’ll have a steel frame structure with the external envelope of the walls to be glazed panels sloping outwards.
Access to the unit will be within the internal section of the chimney, incorporating an external porch area at the base, this will lead to a lift and a staircase that will rise to the upper levels of the structure.
The lower level of the unit will include all the necessary rooms for disabled access, eliminating the need for a lift to incorporate access to the unit at the upper level.
Photo: Miller Metcalfe
Ground floor
The proposed entrance hall extension to the chimney base is to be added to provide a secure access to the property.
It’s proposed that the walls are to be of cavity construction with the outer leaf to be in brick to match with the existing chimney brickwork.
The wall will be 3.3m high while the roof is to be glazed and inset at a lower level so as to be hidden from view, allowing for adequate natural lighting in to the entrance area, without the need for windows to the walls of the entrance.
The layout of the entrance hall has been kept to a minimum – only being extended in length to create the splays to replicate the shape of the existing chimney.
The doors to the entrance are to be solid timber again to give maximum security.
The proposals will provide an entrance to the site via the existing opening in the stone wall on Barrow Bridge Road.
A driveway is to be constructed of a material to be in keeping with the surroundings – providing car parking spaces and a turning area.
Are you interested in the Barrow Bridge Chimney as a residential property? Contact Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents to find out more.
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