Islington Mill Salford

Architectural Emporium have delivered a scheme to reimagine Islington Mill and New Islington Mill (they form an integral arts centre in Salford that is the creative home to many artists in Salford). The scheme safeguards the listed assets through essential repairs, upgrades and conservation, It also addresses vertical access issues, creates a gallery, making and an event space on the fifth floor which was unoccupied due to the formally porous roof. This space will be flanked by artist residency spaces. Access is rationalised with a new lift shaft and external staircase, extending the courtyard garden vertically. The existing common spaces such as the staircase, corridors and courtyard within the complex were so characterful and helped to unite the different users and visitors, so it was proposed that these were extended vertically via a sculptural external staircase that unifies the levels and allows internal spaces to spill out. Common spaces have been adopted by the users, personalised and changed. Architecturally the aim is to provide an affordable framework that harnesses the creativity within the development. The lofty gallery, making and event space was conceived as a giant apartment with a variety of flexible and homely spaces created for different uses. Residency spaces feature compact and flexible interiors for visitors to stay in and create their work. New Islington Mill was converted into studio, co-work and band rehearsal space. A new external access stair and internal lift improve access with internal spaces fully refurbished. The scheme was constructed within a modest budget and decisions were taken to prioritise safeguarding the building and providing low cost space within the budget to allow residents creative freedom. A new roof garden is proposed on top of the corner building in phase 2 along with works to the courtyard and New Islington Mill facade.