Pendlebury - Economy

Economy

In Victorian times the manufacture and printing of cottons were the principal industries of the town, although most of this industry has now disappeared. The only mill left standing is the Newtown Mill on Lees Street, off Station Road. It was acquired by Vanguard Holdings Ltd in January 2008 and is being converted into a business centre.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (Fire Brigade) has its headquarters on Bolton Road (A666), between the junctions with Agecroft Road and Hospital Road.

Acme Mill, that was so important in shaping Lowry's perceptions and which was the first cotton spinning mill in the UK to be entirely electrically powered, was situated south of the Manchester-Wigan railway line on the eastern side Swinton Hall Road (originally called "Bury Lane"). It was demolished in the 1980s to make way for a small housing estate. Swinton Hall Road, between its junction with Bolton Road and the Swinton parish boundary, was originally called "Bury Lane", and should not be confused with the original name of Station Road (B5231) - "Burying Lane" - which is the main road link between Swinton and Pendlebury. The remaining section of Swinton Hall Road, between the Swinton parish boundary (near junction with Temple Drive) and Station Road, was originally known as "Jane Lane".

Now demolished is Agecroft Power Station, which stood on the site currently occupied by Forest Bank Prison. Development of the neighbouring site of the former Agecroft Colliery into an industrial park has helped to provide some employment in the town.