“This is about protecting and cultivating the production of culture” – The £7m Islington Mill renovation unable to begin as no contractor found

A contractor is being sought for a £7 million renovation of Salford’s creative space and community hub, Islington Mill.

The project plans to refurbish the mill in James Street and extend it by 25,000 sq ft, creating a council-owned space for small businesses to use.

Established in 2000, Islington Mill now has more than 50 businesses and 100 artists based within its walls and has supported more than 5,000 independent artists from 35 different countries.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has said the scheme will result in more opportunities for residents who want to set up creative businesses at a time where paying rent is a “huge issue” facing millions of people.

He said: “This is about protecting and cultivating the production of culture – not just the consumption of culture. Ownership is key and, moving forward, the project we are embarking on with the mill will be crucial in creating models for communities to resist gentrification.”