Fred Lawton's

This is a shot of the part of the canal which runs through the university campus; the section of the building on the very left of the image was originally built as a cotton mill but later used by Fred Lawton & Sons Ltd. who were yarn spinners.  This property and the mill across the road (Larchfield Mills) were both bought by the university when it was going through a time of rapid expansion.  I didn't think the change of use would work, but I've had to change  my mind as the complex has become a wonderful blend of 19th century industrial and ultra modern.  Who ever planned it has done an excellent job.