U is for Unity Mill

Unity mill was constructed in the 1860s for spinning cotton and was formerly known as Trianon Mill. By the 1890s it had converted to a rubber works but later was converted back again to a textile mill. The site has been used for the manufacture of products for the food, animal feed and brewing sector until it closed in December 2003. It occupies an area to the east of Woodley between Pole Acre and the Peak Forest Canal.

A former canal basin behind the mill is thought to have been built to serve the Hall Lane Colliery, established pre 1829. The wharf was later associated with the Mill. Although the canal bank is overgrown the outline of the basin is extant.

The buildings are decaying whilst the owners hold out for a sale or planning permission that might ensure a profitable conversion of the site.

A contribution to ABC Wednesday.