THE transformation of a derelict mill, which has been an eyesore in Rawtenstall for almost 15 years, could start next month.

Rossendale Council has completed its sale of Ilex Mill to property developer PJ Livesey Living Space Ltd, which has already been given permission to turn the building into 93 apartments.

Gemma Fish, from the Manchester-based company, a subsidiary of PJ Livesey Group Ltd, which has won many awards for its creative designs and regeneration works on listed buildings throughout the country, said that work could now start in next month. The conversion is expected to take 18 months to complete.

The mill will undergo major internal and external remodelling under the approved scheme and a garden is to be created on top of the original spinning shed.

Parking for residents will be underground and gates will be put up at the entrance to the mill.

Mrs Fish said: "The transformation will not be easy and looks daunting, but the wealth of experience held by the group means that it is bound to be a success."

Katie Dean, land and estates surveyor for the company, said: "It has taken just over two years of careful negotiations to bring all parties to this final stage and I believe it will provide the much needed impetus to the continued regeneration of this area of Rawtenstall."

In April 2001, Rossendale Council decided to apply to have Ilex Mill delisted with a view to ultimately demolishing the building and developing the land.

An ambitious, £4.5million council scheme to develop the mill for a new town hall and police station failed to get approval from the National Lottery.

Before applying to the government for delisting, the council advertised the property asking for offers and three potential buyers were identified.

Following a meeting of the town centre regeneration sub-committee it was resolved to proceed with a bid from PJ Livesey to purchase the building.

The mill, in Bacup Road, was once owned by property tycoon Owen Oyston, the ex-Blackpool FC chairman, jailed in the 1990s.

Over the years that it has stood empty it has fallen into disrepair.