Hotel in historic mill next to sewage plant approved

Developers have been given the go ahead to transform one of Oldham’s historic cotton mills into a hotel.

The £20m project would transform the upper floors of Ram Mill on Gordon Street, Chadderton, into 180 hotel rooms. 

The mill, which is located in the centre of an industrial site, right next to Oldham’s wastewater processing plant, has already been modernised by its current owner Javid Akbar. The ground floor of the more than 120-year-old building has operated as a business and retail centre since its renovation in 2021. 

But now a new business venture could be joining the site, after councillors unanimously approved the ‘brave’ planning proposal at on Wednesday, February 11. 

Councillor Marc Hince, chair of the planning committee, said: “I’d like to commend the developer for his bravery because these developments can come with significant risk and incur significant cost. We are a mill town. It’s part of our heritage. 

“Far too many of these sites have seen dust and it’s great to see an example repurposed. I would imagine this has been a very risky venture and it has come into fruition and benefitted residents.” 

The plans involve creating 75 double bedrooms for short-stays and 105 aparthotel units for short to medium-length stays. The aparthotels would be marketed to visiting businessmen and contractors, according to development papers. Alongside the rooms, there would be dedicated flexible work areas, common rooms and service areas.

The mill is part of Oldham’s ‘historic mill stock’, and while not grade listed, is considered a ‘non-designated heritage asset of local significance’ with a ‘distinctive’ look thanks to its iconic tower.

The proposal was recommended for approval by town planners prior to the meeting. In a report, officer Stephen Gill said the scheme would ‘support the building’s long-term conservation’ by bringing underused floors back into active use. 

He added it would bring significant economic benefits to the local area and could create new jobs.