An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.

The council plans to create supported living accommodation for 14 adults at Topping Mill on Topping Street in Bury.

The property will have 14 self-contained flats and one staff flat with office space, and four units on the ground floor will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The location offers town centre living, close to public transport and social activities, which is not often an option for adults receiving social care due to a shortage of suitable properties in the area.

Bury Times: Th 19th century building will be converted into supported living accommodationTh 19th century building will be converted into supported living accommodation READ MORE: Full list of the 284 roads to be gritted by Bury Council this winter

Topping Mill is a red-brick, two-storey former industrial mill constructed in the mid to late 1800s.

The building was occupied by confectioners Scott & Rosse before they vacated it in the 1960s, and has been vacant for several years.

The project has been approved by the council’s cabinet, which will now procure a care provider for the scheme, which should be up and running by 2025.

Planning consent for the building, which is owned by St David Group, was originally granted in 2021 and saw permission granted for 15 residential apartments.

The plans have been further updated to specify that the apartments will be used for supported accommodation.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing at the council, said: “There is a real need to increase the supply of supported living in Bury, including for people who require 24/7 support.

Bury Times: The former mill was occupied by confectioners Scott & Ross but has been vacant for some timeThe former mill was occupied by confectioners Scott & Ross but has been vacant for some time

READ MORE: The Lord Raglan: Fresh plans to turn former pub into flats

“This project will improve the outcomes for people with mental health needs, enabling them to live independently and reducing the need for them to travel outside Bury for housing and support.

"It should also reduce hospital admissions and allow them to leave hospital sooner once they are fit to do so.

“Specialist staff will help residents on their recovery, supporting them with daily living skills such as cooking, budgeting, managing routines and keeping well.

"This will help them move on into independent living in the community.”