WEAVING HERITAGE, ART, AND COMMUNITY
At Thread & Butter Collective, we believe a building is only as strong as the stories it holds. Our mission is to restore the historic Weaving Shed at Woodend Mill—not just as a monument to Mossley’s industrial past, but as a vibrant engine for its future.
Driven by craft and rooted in place, we are a bridge between the gritstone heritage of the Tame Valley and the creative opportunity of the next generation. We aren’t just repairing a saw-tooth roof; we are restoring a sense of belonging.
RESTORATION WITH PURPOSE
We use traditional materials—lime mortar, gritstone, and timber—to ensure the fabric of the Shed breathes again, preserving the architectural soul of "Cottonopolis."
CREATIVITY WITHOUT BARRIERS
From heritage weaving workshops to oral history soundscapes, we create a "warm, human" space where every resident can find their place in the loom.
A GLOBAL STORY, TOLD LOCALLY
We connect Woodend Mill to the world, tracing the journey of cotton from international ports to our studio windows, honouring the global impact of British textiles.
THE FABRIC OF THE SHED
This theme focuses on the building’s unique features—the iconic saw-tooth roof and Northern Lights—and how these design features were led by the technical processes of weaving.
MOSSLEY IN THE WORLD
We trace the journey of raw cotton from international ports to Mossley, exploring how our local mill was a vital part of the global 'Cottonopolis' network.
LIVES WOVEN IN LIME & STONE
Focusing on "heritage to people rather than just place," our oral history project records the memories of those who worked in the industry. Through hands-on workshops in weaving and heritage building skills, we bring the social history of the power-loom era back to life for the next generation
WEAVING THE FUTURE: 2026 & BEYOND
Project Development & Surveys
Spring / Summer 2026
Focus: Structural investigations, timber and roof surveys, conservation planning, heritage consultations, and preparation of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Development Phase application.
Development Phase Submission
July 2026
Focus: Submission of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Development Phase application for the restoration of the Grade II listed weaving shed and delivery of the wider heritage engagement programme.
Development Funding Decision
Autumn 2026
Focus: Awaiting National Lottery Heritage Fund committee decision while continuing community engagement, fundraising, partnership building, and early heritage activities.
(For grants over £250,000, decisions are made at quarterly committee meetings.)
Project Development Phase
Autumn 2026 – February 2027
Focus: Detailed project development including architectural design, conservation specifications, interpretation planning, activity programming, fundraising, permissions, procurement preparation, and community consultation.
Full Delivery Phase Submission
Spring 2027
Focus: Submission of the full National Lottery Heritage Fund Delivery Phase application, including finalised restoration plans, activity schedules, conservation methodology, and long-term sustainability planning.
Delivery Funding Decision
Summer 2027
Focus: Final decision period for the full restoration and heritage programme application.
Applications over £250,000 are assessed over approximately 12 weeks before committee review.
Restoration & Heritage Programme
2027 – 2028
Focus: Restoration of the weaving shed alongside live heritage engagement activities including oral histories, textile workshops, walking tours, interpretation projects, exhibitions, and community participation.
Opening the Weaving Shed
Late 2028
Focus: Launch of the restored weaving shed as a permanent space for heritage, making, exhibitions, learning, and community life — reconnecting Mossley with one of its surviving industrial landmarks.