The Rossendale Mill Studios
Athertonholme Mill, Railway Street, Stacksteads, Bacup, OL13 0UF (originally named Rossendale Mill when it was built in 1860)

1. Executive Summary

The Rossendale Mill Studios is a transformational redevelopment project designed to create a modern, multi‑functional creative, digital, and community-focused facility within Athertonholme Mill in Bacup. Supported (not financially) by our local MP and Rossendale Borough Council, this initiative aims to deliver an innovative and sustainable hub that will benefit the multi-cultural local communities, businesses, and organisations across Rossendale and the wider region.

2. Project Team

Planning and development are being led by a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in performing arts, broadcasting, technology, and community services:

• Morris Stemp, Director, Dansworks Academy of Performing Arts CIC

• Peter Sweetmore, Director, Dansworks Academy of Performing Arts CIC and Rossendale Radio

• Barry Hyde BEM, Director, Rossendale Radio

• Tony Nixon, CEO, Rossendale Radio

• Roger Theophanous, Theo Tech (Taylor Holme Industrial Estate, Stacksteads)

• Dale Connearn, Chairman of Directors, Dansworks Academy of Performing Arts CIC

3. Premises and Development Timeline

The project is based in approximately 8,000 sq. ft of space within Athertonholme Mill. The aim is to bring the facility into operational use by September this year. Development and fit‑out will be staged to ensure continuity as the space evolves.

The working project name is The Rossendale Mill Studios. A draft floorplan is already available; while not architecturally finalised, it provides a workable basis for current planning.

4. Funding Requirements

The estimated capital requirement for delivering a high‑quality, future‑ready facility is £500,000 to £600,000. This investment will provide exceptional value through the creation of a long‑term, multi-purpose community asset for Rossendale.

5. Strategic Vision and Community Impact

5.1 Home Learning Hub

A central component of the project is the creation of a Creative and Digital Learning Hub aligned with the Lancashire Digital and Rossendale Digital strategies.

This facility will support:

• Home‑educating families with access to collaborative learning spaces

• Digital, creative, and performing arts sessions

• Streaming and online learning

• Tutoring and group-based learning led by parents and external tutors

• Broadcasting training through Rossendale Radio

• Sound‑engineering training

The Hub can address the  potential issue of social isolation experienced by some children being home educated, but mainly addresses the lack of facilities tailored to meet the needs of home‑educating families by providing modern facilities and opportunities for social development.

5.2 Rossendale Radio Facilities

Rossendale Radio will operate from dedicated office space and a satellite studio within the premises, complementing their existing Rawtenstall base. The expanded facilities will allow the station to work more extensively with local schools, young people, and wider community groups.

5.3 Recording Studio

A professionally equipped recording studio will serve:

• Rossendale Radio

• Singing and music students

• Local podcasters, musicians, and content creators

It will also support the development of new educational programmes focused on sound‑engineering.

5.4 Arts Council Potential

The building,  once open and operating, will be approved as an Arts Awards Centre. Dansworks has one Arts Awards Adjudicator, and additional adjudicator training is already planned.

5.5 Sustainability & Daily Operation

Dansworks will use the space daily for dance, acting, singing and music, primarily during evenings and weekends. Rossendale Radio will operate during both daytime and evening hours, seven days a week. The Home-Education Hub will operate during daytime hours.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the premises will also host:

• Early‑years sessions (e.g., Moo Music, Mini Me Time)

• Yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes

• Mobility and dementia-support sessions

• Sound‑engineering courses

6. The Building and Heritage Role

The building, a former textile mill, later used for shoe and slipper manufacturing and currently providing self-storage, remains home to a long‑standing local shoe business. Revitalising this historic industrial asset ensures ongoing economic activity and preserves an important part of local heritage.

7. Planned Facilities and Infrastructure

The Rossendale Mill Studios will include:

Security & Infrastructure

• Secure video entry system

• Internal and external CCTV

• Upgraded fire alarm system

• Enhanced external security lighting

Comfort & Accessibility

• Full air‑conditioning and climate control

• Disability access including lift

Studios & Creative Spaces

• 4 music/singing studios with sound isolation and digital audio/video capability

• Professional recording studio

• 5–6 dance studios with acoustic treatment and digital capability

• Broadcasting studio

Community & Operational Spaces

• Offices

• Reception with small retail counter for accessories, equipment, drinks, and snacks

• Student chill-out area

• Refurbished, disability-friendly toilets

• Smart storage solutions

• Viewing windows throughout for safeguarding

• Multi‑purpose classroom and digital learning equipment

8. Conclusion

This project is much more than a facility for Dansworks or Rossendale Radio — it is a major investment in the social, cultural, creative, and educational fabric of Rossendale. The Rossendale Mill Studios will enhance opportunities for families, young people, local businesses, performers, educators, and community groups for many years to come.