" banishing the expected poor performance in property management "
tel 03303 501 509
email info@padltd.co.uk
Your Essential Guide to Life at The Cottonworks at Holden Mill
Please note that The Cotton Works Management Company Ltd has no affiliation with Facebook or any other social media platforms. Information shared there is often inaccurate, and we do not monitor or respond to posts on social media.
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For accurate and up-to-date information, please direct all queries to cottonworks@padltd.co.uk.
This is your official information for reference.
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To navigate the webpage and access information quickly please use the menu below. Click on the information you are seeking. you can also search the page.
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Depending on the browser you are using this may be different but generally as follows.
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Desktop Safari. Tap on the search field in the upper right-hand corner
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Desktop versions of Chrome /IE/edge/firefox etc –press CTRL F to search the page.
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Mobile devices –the “find on this page” is usually in your expanded menu or address bar. ​​
1. Emergencies – Be Prepared
Important Contact Information
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PAD Property Management: 03303 501 509
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Email: cottonworks@padltd.co.uk
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Office Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
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After Hours: Leave a voicemail only if the matter threatens persons or property
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Power Cut: Ring 105
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Water Emergency https://www.unitedutilities.com/emergencies press Ctrl and click on link.
Before You Need Help
Please send your email address and contact number to PAD at cottonworks@padltd.co.uk
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If you're away from your property for any length of time, please leave a key with a trusted neighbour or friend and an emergency contact number in case entry is needed for flood, fire, or other emergencies.
Know Your Property
Locate Your Water Stop Tap
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Usually situated near or behind your water tank
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New leaseholders should be informed of its location by outgoing leaseholders
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Renters should be shown by their letting agent or landlord
Locate Your Electric Fuse Box
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Usually situated in the cupboard in your hall
Know Your Water Meter
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Find your water meter room and stop tap
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Check the serial number against your bill (meters are often labelled with plot numbers)
In the Event of a Water Leak
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Locate the source and contact neighbours above
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If unable to get an answer, turn off the water at the water meter room
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Leave a note for the residents and try to contact them
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Contact PAD at cottonworks@padltd.co.uk with photos, location, and duration of the issue
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Leave a voicemail if out of hours: 03303 501 509
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Call a plumber: United Utilities Plumber Directory
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Contact your contents insurance company if there is damage to fixtures, fittings, or furniture
Fire Safety, Be prepared.
Please explore the routes you would use to escape the building in the event of fire. A Fire Notice is included with this pack with emergency instructions. See evacuation instructions below, on notice boards and all exit doors
2. Electricity, Water and Heating
Economy 7 Storage Heaters
All apartments were originally equipped with Economy 7 storage heaters. Some leaseholders may have chosen to update or replace these units, however, residents who still have the original system benefit from the use of Economy 7 electricity at Holden Mill. This tariff enables more affordable heating and hot water by taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
How It Works
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Storage heaters charge overnight during off-peak hours
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Heat is stored overnight and released during the day
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Water is heated during the night and should stay hot unless you use a lot
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A boost switch is available to heat water during peak times if needed
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Off-peak times vary depending on your electricity supplier
Important: Check the times on both your heating and water systems to ensure they are using off-peak energy.
Bing Videos: Watch this helpful video.
Meter Rooms
There are two electrical meter rooms:
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Entrance B: Opposite apartment 24
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North End: Outside, between the ground-floor car park entrance and exit
Both meter rooms have coded doors. Access codes are available through:
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Your letting agent
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Your landlord
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PAD Property Management
3. Cleaning – First Impressions
The Cotton Works Management Company contracts First Impressions to maintain the mill's communal areas Monday to Friday.
Help Keep Cotton Works Beautiful
Please do:
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Clean up any spillages immediately
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Dispose of litter in the bins provided
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Assist our cleaning team in maintaining high standards
Please don't:
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Throw cigarette ends from your terrace (fire hazard and causes damage to the roof)
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Leave litter around the site
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Leave any items in communal areas
Important: Leaving items in communal areas, including litter, may result in a breach of lease communication. Charges for issuing such letters may be added to your service charge account.
4. Refuse Disposal
Our janitor empties the bins and keeps the site tidy. Please assist our on-site staff by keeping the bin rooms clean and refraining from placing unauthorised items in them.
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Only household refuse is permitted in the bins. Any items placed in the wrong bins will not be collected by the council refuse collectors and the resulting additional charges are passed directly to service charge payers.
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If the bins are full, do not leave bags or waste on the floor. You must take them to the large bins in the ground floor car park. Thank you.
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Bin Guidelines
Please read the guidelines posted on the wall of the bin room.
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GREY BINS: General waste in plastic bags. Please do not leave bags on the floor. If the grey bin is full, take excess waste to the ground-floor car park and deposit it in the large blue bins
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BURGUNDY BIN: Bottles and cans only
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BEIGE BIN: Paper and cardboard (no carrier bags)
Important: Please flatten all boxes and egg cartons before disposal.
Large Boxes
Boxes too large to fit in the bins can be placed in the large beige bins located in the ground floor car park.
Food and Green Waste
Due to hygiene restrictions, we do not have a facility to recycle food and green waste.
For more information about recycling in Bolton, visit Rubbish and recycling – Bolton Council
5. Security
For general police advice, visit: Greater Manchester Police - Advice and Information
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Important Security Reminders
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This is a large building with hundreds of people passing through each day, so the building cannot be 100% secure. Please take the usual precautions:
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Check who knocks on your door
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Do NOT hold the door open for others to follow you in
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Lock your apartment door when leaving
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Don't share entry codes or fob access
Reporting Incidents
Non-Emergency (Intruders or Antisocial Behaviour)
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Call 101
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Police advice is NOT to engage with intruders
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Officers will attend if available
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Even if police don't attend, it's important that incidents are logged to help with funding
Emergency (Aggressive or Abusive Behaviour)
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Call 999
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Police will always respond to emergency calls
Vehicle Security
Police advise that you:
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Use a steering wheel lock in your vehicle
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Do not leave valuables in your vehicle
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DO NOT GIVE CODES TO NON-RESIDENTS
If you rent, your landlord or lettings agent should provide gate codes and fobs.
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Leaseholders should be provided with these from your solicitor with your keys.
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The main gate to the development is closed from 21:30 to 05:30, open by code or via a registered telephone number (telephone number entry is an additional cost, contact PAD for details). The main gate can also still be opened via the existing FAAC remote fobs but unfortunately no new remote fobs can be registered.
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The pedestrian gate is also operated by a code. Please use this when on foot to minimise wear and tear on the gate. Available from PAD.
The doors to the building and the car park shutters are opened with a blue fob.
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Additional gate, door and car park fobs and codes can be obtained from
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For security, fobs are unique to your property, so our system can trace who has entered the building. Please do not swap or sell your blue fob.
All ground-floor properties are fitted with an intruder alarm. Please change the batteries when they flash red.
6. Parking and speed limits
The speed limit around the development is 10mph, internal car parks 5mph
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Each leaseholder has an allocated parking space. If you do not know your allocated space, please contact the agent for the freeholder, E&J Estates.
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01962 869377
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https://eandjestates.co.uk/contact-us/
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There are plenty of unallocated spaces for visitors, but they are not marked as such.
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Most leaseholders have notices on their space. Please don’t park there.
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Please do not park in the yellow-hatched areas for safety.
7. Bike storage
There are secure bike stores in the mill on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Please email ​
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to register your bike and be allocated a store.
8. Post boxes, deliveries, communication and notice boards
Please watch the noticeboards in entrances A, B and C, near the post-boxes and near the central goods lift, for any important communications from the directors or PAD.
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Please send your email address and phone number to
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Whether you are a leaseholder or a tenant, maintaining up-to-date contact information ensures that you can be reached promptly regarding important updates or in the event of an emergency. Always leave a contact number or key with a friend or neighbour when leaving the property empty, on holiday, for example.
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The post-box area is not secure as hundreds of people pass through daily. It’s suggested that you have parcels delivered to local pick-up points if you are not able to receive them immediately.
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For safety, deliveries left on the floor will be removed to boxes in the entrances to prevent the buildup of parcels, which may impede an evacuation. Please consider the safety of residents and do not leave parcels for protracted periods of time
9. Large heavy deliveries and removals. Lifts
Please use the larger central goods lift in the ground floor car park for large deliveries.
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There is a dedicated delivery area for vans outside the car park at the rear (North) end of the mill near the ground floor car park entrance. Do not park cars there.
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Do not use the other lifts for this purpose, as overloading leads to lift breakdowns and is also a breach of the lease.
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There are four lifts in the building. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with these to ensure you are prepared should a breakdown occur.
Otis contact numbers are posted near the lift doors so residents can quickly report faults. Don’t wait—reporting issues promptly ensures lifts are restored faster. Do not assume “somebody” has reported a faulty lift.
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When arranging a large delivery or removal, please give advance notice to building management so assistance can be provided if needed. Ensure that delivery personnel are aware of the building's policies and follow all instructions provided to minimise disruption for other residents. Taking these steps helps to keep the process smooth and prevents unnecessary inconvenience.
10. Dogs
Please respect other residents and keep all dogs on leads inside the building and around the site.
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Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the large blue bins outside.
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Rules for dogs are displayed on the noticeboards and the doors.
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Please do not allow your dog to urinate on the grass, as this causes white patches.
11. Cold weather
While CWMC takes proactive steps to keep common roads clear. Grit bins, shovels and gloves are provided around the site for residents to use. Safety is a shared responsibility.
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Residents are reminded during icy periods to take extra care. Please use gritted routes, wear appropriate footwear and avoid any actions that may increase risk to yourself or others
12. How the building is run
The Cotton Works Management Company Limited. (CWMC)
We are a Residents’ Management Company (RMC)
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This is a company that has been formed to protect the interests of leaseholders of a residential building. We are leaseholders of our apartments, and at present we all live here.
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The RMC is legally responsible for the management and maintenance of the building, as well as compliance with the obligations of the lease and a range of statutory requirements (subject to the lease structure).
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The directors of an RMC, who are unpaid and appointed by the existing directors or leaseholders, decide how best to achieve these responsibilities. Most RMCs appoint a professional managing agent for the day-to-day running of the building.
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Professional and Dependable Ltd (PAD) are the managing agent contracted by the directors for Cotton Works (see separate information)
The directors of the Cotton Works Management Company are responsible for various tasks to ensure the smooth running of a residential building.
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Some of these responsibilities include:
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Setting the annual service charge and prioritising expenditure.
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Maintaining a reserve budget for long-term maintenance items.
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Appointing contractors and other services.
In addition, the directors also have several legal obligations to fulfil.
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These include (but are not exclusive to):
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Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety and fire risk legislation.
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Maintain the roof, interior and exterior of the building, carrying out necessary repairs.
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Keeping the building insured.
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Act within our powers.
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Promote the success of the company.
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Exercise independent judgement.
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Avoid conflicts of interest.
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Not accept benefits from third parties.
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Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence.
If you are interested in becoming a director, please contact PAD.
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Your request will be passed to the directors, who will invite you for an informal chat.
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You can find more information on the LEASE website or the Companies House website. It is important to note that the responsibilities and powers of a director are outlined in the Companies Act 2006 and the company’s Articles of Association, which a director must follow.
To contact the directors, email
13. Service Charge
Understanding Your Service Charge
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Each year, the costs of running and maintaining the building are reviewed, and your volunteer directors determine how much needs to be raised through service charges. These charges are paid by leaseholders to CWMC (The Cotton Works Management Company) to cover shared services and building insurance. ]
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Your service charge is not paid to PAD.it is paid to the Cotton Works Management Company.
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PAD is contracted by the directors for a set fee and collect the money for us to keep in a separate CWMC bank account.
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For renting residents, these costs are usually passed on in the monthly rent.
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In addition, under the lease, directors have a duty to set aside funds for long-term, high-cost projects determined by a surveyor. This is known as the reserve (or sinking) fund.
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Reserve Fund
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This fund is used to pay for, or contribute towards, major works or replacements that are not required annually — for example, the lift, internal and external decoration, carpet replacement, or repointing.
The annual contribution to the reserve fund is calculated by dividing the estimated cost of each item by its expected lifespan, ensuring that funds are available when large works become necessary.
Service Charge Invoices and Budgets
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Service charge invoices and budgets are issued to all leaseholders around the start of the financial year (April), in line with the terms of the lease.
Your invoice sets out:
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The total amount due and payment deadlines
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The designated bank account details
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The payment reference to be used
The accompanying budget explains how your contribution has been calculated and provides a full breakdown of anticipated costs. The budget is prepared in consultation with your RMC directors.
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Leaseholders pay their service charge directly into a designated client account. All funds in this account (including any interest) belong to your RMC — not PAD. PAD is authorised to pay suppliers (including its own management fees) only from the Authorised Payment List, which includes larger payments approved by CWMC’s directors.
PAD’s management fee is fixed and does not increase if your RMC spends less or more than budgeted. Any unspent funds remain in the RMC’s client account and appear in the end-of-year accounts, potentially being added to the reserve fund for future expenditure.
Who decides what services are provided?
The volunteer directors of your RMC make the final decisions on what services are provided and how much service charge to collect, in line with the lease and available funds.
Leaseholders may also agree to additional services or improvements — provided these are permitted by the lease, approved by the directors, and adequately funded (either from existing funds or via an agreed levy or extra payment).
PAD does not decide what services are provided at your development. The RMC directors make those decisions on behalf of all leaseholders. A lot of these financial decisions are dictated by law, and the directors have no discretion over paying for them from the service charges. For example, the Building Safety act 2022, says we must have communal fire door checks every quarter and flat front door checks annually. We would be breaking the law if we ignored this.
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Some responsibilities, such as building insurance, lie with the freeholder rather than the RMC, although leaseholders still contribute to these costs through their service charge.
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Responsible Financial Management
Your RMC’s funds are limited, and there is a collective interest in keeping service charges as low as possible while maintaining high building standards. The volunteer directors carefully manage expenditure to balance quality, fairness, and cost-effectiveness. They have to prioritise what money is to be spent on.
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Please remember that directors are also leaseholders — they pay the same service charges as everyone else and are equally motivated to maintain standards while keeping costs under control
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Communication Preferences
To help reduce administrative costs, we prefer to send service charge notifications by email rather than by post.
If you agree, please email your request to:
cottonworks@padltd.co.uk
Summary
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The service charge year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
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Details of how your service charge is used are shown on your annual service charge demand.
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Expenditure is reviewed regularly to ensure transparency and value for money.
14. Professional and Dependable (PAD)
As your RMC directors are unpaid volunteers, your RMC contracts a managing agent, PAD, to carry out the day-to-day management of the communal areas and aspects of your development.
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PAD’s responsibilities ensure smooth operation and overall upkeep of the development. Their expertise enables consistent standards to be achieved, while also providing a professional point of contact for leaseholders and residents. This partnership allows volunteer directors to focus on strategic decisions and oversight, confident that day-to-day management is in experienced hands.
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PAD typically deal with.
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Maintaining records of leaseholders/residents.
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Assisting leaseholders/residents with relevant queries.  
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Proposing the annual service charge budget (including contribution to the reserve fund) to the volunteer directors for their assessment, amendment and approval.
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Requesting and monitoring the service charge payments from leaseholders, which are received in your RMC’s bank account.  
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Providing year-end information to your development accountant for the preparation of year-end accounts.
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Section 20 consultation process (for any work that may cost an individual leaseholder more than £250.)
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Taking appropriate action against breaches of the lease.
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Completing regular site inspections of the entire development, checking for any issues and communicating these with the volunteer directors.
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Providing the volunteer directors with regular financial summaries and development updates (matters arising);  
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Attending meetings with the volunteer directors and noting instructions given by the directors.
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Progressing instructions given by the directors.
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Procuring and negotiating with contractors, reviewing and settling invoices from your RMC’s contractors and suppliers, using the service charge fund.
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Instructing your RMC's suppliers at the development (cleaners, gardeners, decorators, builders, etc.);
15. UPON DISCOVERY OR NOTIFICATION OF A FIRE
Please note that Holden Mill has a simultaneous evacuation policy.
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Inform people in your property and alert neighbours IF SAFE TO DO SO.
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Leave the building by the nearest exit. Close doors behind you. Do not use lifts.
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Call 999 and ask for fire service.
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Give your phone number.
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Apartment number, address,
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Holden Mill, Blackburn Road, Bolton. BL1 7LS
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Do not end the call untill the operator repeats the correct address.
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Proceed to the assembly point. Car park opposite entrance B.
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Ring the Waking Watch Provider 0800069 8095
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Ensure the main gate is open.
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Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so
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Do not put yourself at risk.
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FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH YOUR NEAREST ESCAPE ROUTES TODAY. Indicated by a sign depicted by a running man and white arrow on a green background.
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PLEASE NOTE THE FIRE ALARM IS NOT FUNCTIONAL AT PRESENT AND WILL NOT SOUND IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.
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Note. If you or someone you live with would be unable to respond to a Fire alert or evacuation. Please inform PAD cottonworks@padltd.co.uk
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03303 501 509 So this information can be passed to the fire service in order that a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEPS) can be made.
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These details will be kept in the locked firebox in entrance B.
16. Communal and apartment fire front doors, heat detectors
All fire doors are to be kept closed when not in use.
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Residents or their guests should not tamper with any self-closing devices.
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Residents should immediately report any fault damage to the communal fire doors to:
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By Law, all apartment front doors have to be inspected annually by CWMC. However, maintenance and repair are the responsibility of the door's leaseholders.
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Heat detectors.
Separate from the communal fire alarm sensors recently installed. There are also heat detectors in your apartment, which the developers installed. Typically, one heat sensor is in the kitchen, and another is in the hall. These are run from the mains but have a battery backup in case of power failure. This will beep when the battery is low. There are YouTube videos explaining how to replace the 9V battery.
(49) Replace battery in Ei144 heat alarm - YouTube. Check your heat detector monthly.
​17. Lease Regulations
Please read your lease carefully, which spells out your rights and responsibilities. Part of the lease is displayed on the noticeboards in the entrances. Lease regulations enable the community to live in harmony.
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Some regulations are also detailed on the attached list.
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Holden Mill is a grade 2 listed building, so anything that affects the appearance of the outside of the building, new patio doors, for example, needs to conform to planning regulations
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Any structural alteration of the interior of apartments needs freeholder's consent.
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The freeholder (who owns the building) is SF Groundrents 15 Ltd, and their agents are E&J Estates. This is where ground rent is paid to:
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Extracts from the lease regulations. These are displayed on the notice boards,
1.    No act or thing which may cause or causes a nuisance damage annoyance or inconvenience to the Landlord or any occupier of the Development or the neighbourhood may be done or suffered to be done in the Property or any part nor may the Property be used for an unlawful or immoral purpose nor may there be brought or suffered to be brought into the Property any dangerous or offensive goods
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2.    No noise music or singing whether by instrument voices wireless gramophone television or other means nor any dancing may be allowed in the Property so as to be audible outside the Property between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. or so as to be audible outside the Property at other times if the occupier of any other property objects
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3.    Not to allow any bird animal or reptile to cause annoyance or nuisance to any owner tenant or occupier of any other property comprised on the Development 
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4.    No dirt rubbish rags or other refuse may be thrown into the sinks baths lavatories cisterns or waste soil pipes in the Property
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5.    No clothes or other articles may be hung or exposed outside of or so as to be visible from outside of the Property
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6.    No items shall be placed in any roof void even where the same is accessible from within the Property (for safety reasons) 
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7.    Not to deposit refuse or rubbish other than in those areas of the Development so designated from time to time by the Landlord or the Management Company
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8.    Not to use any parking space(s) other than for the keeping therein of a private car(s) or motorcycle(s) and not to keep any commercial vehicles caravan motorised caravan or similar vehicle or boat on any part of the Property
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9.    Nothing may be deposited or left in or on the entrance hall passages lifts and stairways of the Development.  No children may be allowed to play in these areas, nor may these areas be in any way obstructed or unreasonably soiled
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10.    To ensure that any floor not covered with carpet or rugs incorporates an additional acoustic isolating barrier with suitable sound dampening qualities between the floor finish and the structure of the floor
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11.    No safe or other article the weight or shape of which may damage the Property or other parts of the Development may be brought into the Property nor may any damage be caused to other parts of the Development by the carrying of furniture or other articles in or out of the Property
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12.    Not to use on the Property any electrical device without an effective suppressor fitted thereto
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13.    To observe all fire regulations and (without limitation to the generality of the foregoing) to maintain and not to interfere in any way with all automatic door closing equipment within the Property 
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14.    Not to cut nail or in any way break into the surface of the party walls of the Property
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15.    Not to permit or suffer any lift to be used for the carriage of any number of persons greater than the maximum number specified by notice in the lift or in contravention of any other rules and regulations issued in relation to the use of the lift
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16.    At all times to exercise and cause to be exercised proper care in driving and maneuvering any vehicle in any car parking area and in particular not to exceed the speed limits displayed in such areas an in any event not to exceed the speed of 5mph
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17.    Not to take into or keep on or in the car parking space or any other part of the Development any motor fuel or lubricating oil or other inflammable substance (apart from such as is in the tank and engine of the Tenant’s motor car) and not on any part of the Development to charge vehicles with oil or fuel or other liquids 
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18.    Not to use or allow to be used any machinery in the car parking area(s) or any part thereof and to keep the parking space in a clean and tidy condition
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19.    Not to have access to any part of the roof of the Development (other than any part included within the extent of the Property or over which the Tenant has been given express rights under part II of the first Schedule of this Underlease) 
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20.    Except with the written consent of the Landlord, not to use the Property or any part as a location site for filming purposes by (but without limitation) film or television companies
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21.    To comply with regulations which the Landlord or the Management Company may from time to time make for the safety care and cleanliness of the Development and the comfort and convenience of the tenants and occupants of all the properties
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22.Prior to carrying out any works of internal decoration or redecoration to any internal walls at and forming part of the Property to first horizontally line all such walls with not less than 1000 grade lining wallpaper using a heavy duty adhesive such as “unibond” or similar and to maintain such lining paper at all times
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23.For safety reasons not to place any potted plants shrubs or other such items beyond the guard rail of any verandah/balcony (if any) forming part of the Property 
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24.Not to place into refuse storage areas any prohibited item (as defined by the Landlord and Management Company from time to time) and to ensure that all refuse deposited in the refuse storage areas is well and sufficiently wrapped in good and strong waste bags or containers so that the storage areas are kept clean at all times and to comply with such recycling policies as shall be issued and or imposed by the local or other competent authority from time to time
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25.Not to place on any veranda balcony or roof terrace forming part of the Property any fixed or portable heater or any fixed or portable barbecue or other cooking appliance or any patio or similar umbrella
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26.Not to obstruct any road or path forming part of the Development or over which the benefit of any rights to pass and repass are included under this Underlease.
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27.Not to cause or allow any drainage channels comprised in or forming part of any veranda, balcony or roof terrace on the Property to become blocked and to remove on demand of the Landlord or Management Company from any veranda, balcony or roof terrace any plants pots or other items.
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28.Not to carry on any car washing or vehicle maintenance on any part of the Property or the Development, whether for private purposes, commercial gain or on a free-of-charge basis
18. Unwanted items
Whilst we fully understand that residents wish to be generous by giving away pre-loved items free to other residents, please note that items left in communal areas could present a trip and fire hazard in the event of an emergency evacuation particularly in stressful dark and smoky conditions. We therefore recommend these items be advertised on social media or given to charity.
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Any items left in communal areas items will be removed. See policy.
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POLICY FOR DEALING WITH PRIVATE ITEMS LEFT IN COMMUNAL AREAS LEGAL CHECKED.docx
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Leaving any item in a communal area is a breach of lease regulations.
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Each visit to remove unwanted or broken items that cleaners have gathered throughout the building costs service payers £400 and occurs several times a year. To help lower these expenses, residents should dispose of large or unwanted items responsibly by visiting local recycling centres or arranging collections with the council or charitable groups. Responsible disposal ensures the building remains clean and safe, thereby reducing unnecessary costs for everyone.
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Leaseholders or residents must take care of any waste created by their private contractors. Leaving rubbish on site is not acceptable and is a breach of the lease. If you or your contractor requires a skip, please contact PAD to arrange the most appropriate location. While we understand building work may create a mess, please be considerate towards neighbours and cleaning staff by tidying up or removing waste promptly. CWMC enforces a zero-tolerance policy on this issue. Breaching these rules is against the lease and may result in extra charges added to the service charge account, potentially affecting renting residents.
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If you are unsure how to dispose of certain items or need help organising a collection, please speak to PAD or reach out to the council for advice. Remember, fly-tipping is illegal and can lead to hefty fines. By disposing of unwanted belongings properly, you help maintain a safe, pleasant environment for everyone in the building and the surrounding community.
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Regularly check with your local authority for updated recycling and disposal guidelines. Many charities and community organisations also offer collection services, particularly for furniture or bulky goods. Following these steps not only prevents penalties but also supports a cleaner, friendlier living space for all.
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Bolton recycling center’s:
https://www.bolton.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/tips-recycling-sites
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Council number:
Call us on 01204 336632 to arrange a collection
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Bulky item collections:
https://www.bolton.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/bulky-item-collections/5?documentId=374&categoryId=20008
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British Heart Foundation. (Will take furniture donations):
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Community transport /Emmaus. (Will take furniture donations):
For all donations, contact orders on 01204 364777
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Bolton hospice donations:
https://www.boltonhospice.org.uk/donating-to-our-shops
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The nearest Hospice shop is behind ASDA.
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If you need to dispose of unwanted items, please do so responsibly and in accordance with building regulations. Large or bulky items should not be left in shared spaces, as this can obstruct emergency exits and create hazards for other residents. Always coordinate with appropriate services to ensure items are removed promptly and safely.
19. Complaints
Both the Cotton Works Management Company Ltd and PAD have a formal complaints policy. See below.
In the first instance, please email cottonworks@pad.co.uk
20. Mandatory information ( the legal bits)
As the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for The Cottonworks, the board of directors are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in line with the UK's Building Safety Act 2022. We are legally required to take all reasonable steps to provide the following information to all residents over 16. If you are a landlord, can you ensure that any renting tenant is given this information?
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Essential Building Information (Mandatory Information from the Principal Accountable Person)
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Under the Building Safety Act 2022, as the Principal Accountable Person for Holden Mill, the CWMC board of directors have a legal duty to provide you with key information regarding the fire and structural safety of the building. Please pass this information to all residents in your apartment aged over 16.
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Reporting concerns. If you have concerns about fire or structural safety, please contact us via our Managing agent at cottonworks@padltd.co.uk. Or write to c/o Unit 13, Dunscar Business Park, Blackburn Road, Egerton, Bolton, BL7 9PQ.
FOR URGENT THREATS TO LIFE CALL 999 IN THE FIRST EVENT (fire, police, ambulance)
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2. Building Classification: The Cottonworks at Holden Mill is classified as a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) due to its height (over 18 metres or 7 storeys) and containing multiple residential units. This means it is subject to the enhanced regulatory regime under the Building Safety Act.
3. Who are the Accountable Persons (APs) and their Responsibilities: The Principal Accountable Person CWMC board of directors, is responsible for the overall fire and structural safety.
4. Building Safety Risks and Management: We are legally required to assess all fire and structural safety risks within The Cottonworks and take all reasonable steps to prevent these risks from materialising and to minimise their impact if they do occur. This includes:
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Fire Safety Measures: Details of fire alarms, escape routes, fire doors, and any other fire safety systems in place.
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Structural Safety Measures: Information about ongoing structural inspections and maintenance.
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Safety Case Report. CWMC is currently preparing the Safety Case Report, a comprehensive document detailing how building safety risks are identified, managed, and mitigated. This report will be submitted once formally requested by the Building Safety Regulator, probably sometime within the next 5 years.
Residents will be consulted as part of this process and will have the right to access a summary of the report when it is issued by the Building Safety Regulator.
5. Holden Mill has a Simultaneous Evacuation Strategy, which is included earlier in this document and posted on all exit doors and notice boards.
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6. Complaints Procedure
Your concerns will be passed to the volunteer chair or what is considered a neutral volunteer director to investigate.
You will receive an acknowledgement of your concerns within 3 working days of receipt.
You will receive a full written response to the concerns raised within 28 days of receipt.
If you are not satisfied with the response or the process itself, and we have not marked our response as final, an appeal can be lodged in writing as above, but addressed to the full board of volunteer directors. The appeal will then be discussed at the next volunteer directors' board meeting, which you will be welcome to attend.
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If you are still not satisfied with the response, the matter could be referred for independent mediation to a party to be mutually agreed.
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Should you wish to make a complaint anonymously, please make this clear in your correspondence. All complaints will be handled sensitively and in accordance with data protection regulations. Feedback from residents is encouraged, as it helps us to continuously improve our safety measures and address any concerns promptly and effectively.
21. Accessibility
For wheelchair users, prams or persons with mobility issues. Also, for moving heavy loads, furniture, etc, to avoid steps.
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Entrance B - External lift for People with Disabilities, or mobility issues or prams
Do not use this lift for heavy loads.
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This lift provides access to:
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Ground floor apartments 22-39
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Entrance B internal passenger lift (giving access to 1st and 2nd floor car parks but not to apartments numbered 100s )
Please do not use this lift for heavy loads.
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All 300 apartments
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All 400 apartments
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All 500 apartments
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All 600 apartments
Ground Floor Car Park can be accessed from the rear of the building. Gives access to entrance B via ramp.
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Access to apartments 4-21. Next to exit shutter through the door, turn left and round the ramp:
(also accessed from Entrance C)
Central Goods Lift in the ground floor car park
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Please use this lift for heavy loads, wheelchairs, prams or persons with mobility issues.
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This lift provides access to:
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Apartments 128-143 . Note: no access to other 100s apartments
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1st and 2nd floor car parks
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Apartments 220-252
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All 300s apartments
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All 400s apartments
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All 500s apartments
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All 600s apartments
Entrance C - External lift for persons with Disabilities or mobility issues.
This entrance provides access to:
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Apartments 4-21
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Ground floor car park (from apartment 7, down ramp through door near car park exit)
Entrance C Standard passenger Lift
This lift provides access to:
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Apartments 126-111
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Apartments 206-218
Important Notes
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Entrance A has no disabled access
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Emergency Evacuation Information
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Please note: In the event of an evacuation, lifts will not be in operation. If you would need assistance in the event of an evacuation, please contact PAD in confidence, who will pass your details to the Greater Manchester Fire Service for an Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPS) for you.
22. Renovation Debris & Communal Area Hazards
Resident Safety Notice: Protecting Lives.
Your safety and the safety of everyone in our building are among our highest priorities. If you are undertaking renovations or maintenance within your property, please ensure the following critical safety and lease obligations are strictly followed:
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Immediate Removal of Renovation Debris
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All debris, waste, and packaging must be removed from the building IMMEDIATELY and from the site on the same day, unless the management company has been notified of a pre-arranged skip.
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Leaseholders are responsible for ensuring their contractors comply and remove debris. Delays or negligence pose serious safety risks and breach lease terms.
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If you are going to hire a skip for debris, please contact PAD to arrange the best place for this to be sited. cottonworks@padltd.co.uk Tel 03303 501 509
Communal Areas Must Remain Clear to Facilitate Emergency Evacuation.
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Leaving any items, tools, debris, or packaging in communal areas is strictly prohibited.
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This includes hallways, stairwells, car parks, and shared grounds, where obstructions can block an emergency evacuation in dark, smoky, stressful conditions and violate fire safety regulations.
Respect for Cleaning Staff
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The responsible resident must ensure that all renovation mess in communal areas must be cleaned up. Do not leave waste for our cleaning team, who are not equipped to handle construction debris. This includes carpet residue, which often gets trodden through the building from the lifts if not removed. Keep our building clean and tidy
Misinformation on social media.
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We believe that posts circulating on social media suggesting renovation debris can be left outside apartments are false and dangerous. This practice endangers residents and violates fire codes. Directors and PAD have no association with Facebook.
Enforcement & Penalties
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Items persistently left in communal areas may be removed without prior notice. A removal fee may be added to the responsible leaseholder’s service charge account.
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In addition, an administration charge may be added to the relevant service charge account.
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If you are a renting resident, this charge may be passed on by your landlord.
Do not put lives at risk. Let’s work together to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant environment for all.
23. Our history
We are proud to be the guardians of this historic Grade II listed building—an enduring symbol of Bolton’s rich industrial past and architectural heritage. Our commitment goes beyond bricks and mortar; it’s a personal one. Several of the directors of the Cotton Works Management Company have had deep family ties to Bolton, with ancestors who worked in the town’s cotton mills and helped shape its identity as a powerhouse of the textile industry.
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This legacy inspires our approach today. We believe that preserving the building’s character and integrity is not just a duty, but a privilege. Through careful restoration, respectful maintenance, and meaningful engagement with residents and the wider community, we aim to ensure that this landmark continues to thrive for generations to come.
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Our story is one of continuity, honouring the past while building a future that reflects the values of craftsmanship, community, and care.
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The mill, known variously as Holden Mill, Astley Bridge Mill, and today as The Cottonworks, holds a significant place in the industrial history of Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It is notable for being the last cotton mill to be built in Bolton.
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Construction and Original Use (1920s - 1965)
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Construction: The mill was constructed between 1926 and 1927 and completed for Sir John Holden & Sons Ltd. Its owner, Sir John Holden, 1st Baronet, a self-made man and cotton manufacturer, died around the time the building was completed.
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Architects and Design: The mill was designed by the local architectural firm of Bradshaw, Gass and Hope. It is a Grade II listed building, featuring a five-storey, steel-framed, and concrete internal structure. The exterior is brick with red terracotta detailing in a restrained Art Deco style. A distinctive feature is the corner stair tower with a domed copper roof.
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Technological Advancement: Holden Mill was an early example of a technologically modern mill. It was designed from the outset to be all-electric, taking its power from the local power station, making it one of the first mills to do so. This meant it did not require the large, typical boiler house and smokestack of older, steam-powered mills. The machinery inside included 125,000 mule spindles and 31,000 ring spindles, all driven by individual electric motors.
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Cotton Spinning: The mill was an active cotton spinning factory, contributing to Bolton's role as a major centre of textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution and into the 20th century. Cotton spinning operations at Holden Mill continued until 1965.
Post-Industrial Life (1965 - Present)
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Warehouse Period: After cotton spinning ceased, the building was repurposed and occupied by Littlewoods Mail Order as a warehouse.
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Holden Mill was given grade 2 listed status on 4th November 1996
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Conversion to Residential Use (The Cottonworks): In the 21st century, the mill began its conversion into residential apartments.
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A planning application for conversion to apartments was submitted in 2006.
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Permission was granted 10 Aug 2007
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The property had been acquired by the property developer PJ Livesey Living Space Ltd.
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The mill was sensitively and skilfully converted into approximately 296 one, two, and three-bedroom executive apartments, named The Cottonworks. The project was completed around 2015, with the iconic tower, featuring its distinctive green dome, being one of the last to be converted into a unique home.
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Historic England has highlighted the conversion as an example of how historic mill buildings can be successfully preserved and given a new lease of life. The exterior was designed to preserve the mill's original appearance, with unglazed window frames acting as open balcony screens for the new apartments.
24. CWMC Policies
Cold weather policy
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Items left in communal areas policy
POLICY FOR DEALING WITH PRIVATE ITEMS LEFT IN COMMUNAL AREAS LEGAL CHECKED.docx
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Parcel management policy
parcel management policy .docx
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Complaints policy
CWMC COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE.docx
Anti-Corruption policy.
anti corruption policy (2).docx
Privacy policies
CCTV
Work-related violence policy.
Work related violence prevention policy (1).docx
The details in this document have been produced by the volunteer directors of the Cotton Works Management Company Ltd 2025.
The website has been created by their managing agent, PAD, Professional and Dependable Ltd.2026.