A FORMER Bolton mill that once housed an engine for powering cotton production now hosts a modern kitchen, bathroom and tile showroom.

The showroom, designed and created by national builders’ merchant Buildbase and open to both the trade and public, is the result of a four-month renovation project at Atlas Mill no.6, Bentinck Street off Chorley Old Road.

It features more than 30 room sets, a dedicated lighting studio, free design and planning and in-home survey service along with showroom team experience totalling 75 years.

The mill, built in 1887 during the late Victorian era, installed a twin-tandem engine the following year built by Bolton company John Musgrave & Sons which specialised in stationary steam engines until the late 1920s.

A builders’ merchant business has occupied two floors of the mill site for more than 30 years and at least two of its team have been employed since the original first floor showroom opened in 1984.

Showroom Manager Steve Jones said: “The renovation we’ve done is about creating a feeling of space and a brighter, more modern environment for both trades people and their customers to look at the latest in kitchen and bathroom displays and tiling, which is part of the new décor.”

The lay-out of the 580m2 showroom space is designed to host displays in individual, purpose-built rooms to help customers visualise how the kitchen and bathroom furniture will look in their homes.

Steve added: “This investment in the building is about helping tradespeople to help their customers make the right choices for their homes and it’s satisfying to see Atlas Mill still serving the needs of the Bolton community nearly 130 years after it was built.”

Buildbase Bolton is one of several new showrooms rolling out across the UK this year, combining branch expertise with leading manufacturers. The concept is designed to encourage the trade to take their customers, so they can choose for themselves from the vast range of kitchens and bathrooms.

Andrew Arnold, Buildbase Divisional Showroom Manager for the North and Scotland said: “We were delighted to see so many new and familiar faces to the opening, which is the finishing touch to what has been several months of hard work to create a showroom we can be proud of. We also raised £500 for Cancer Research UK with a raffle on opening night.

“It’s beautifully designed so that tradespeople can be confident in bringing their customers. Of course, consumers are also welcome on their own and can benefit from our trade expertise and installation knowledge. This marks an exciting new phase for the team and we look forward to welcoming more people through our doors. We’d like to thank everyone who came along to support us.”