Report - Sigma Soap (Irwell Vale, Lancashire, Apr, 2021)

[urbanchemist]

A completely empty soap factory - there’s a much better one just down the road in Ramsbottom (Kays).
It’s on the site of a former cotton mill, Irwell Vale Mill, near the junction between the Ogden and Irwell rivers.

The mill was originally powered by water wheels, then a turbine, with water coming in from behind via a leat off the Ogden.
Little now remains of the original mill except the engine house (now lived in) and possibly a couple of the smaller buildings.
The long sheds on the north side of the river mostly date from the 1950s and were used by Sigma Soap, who seem to have existed from 2006 - 2017.

Some externals

Mock Tudor offices on the right, said to date from the 1930s, picture taken in the courtyard where the original mill was.

Offices and reception.

The initials TA may be for Thomas Aitken, who once owned the mill.

Some sort of counter over an internal door to the front office.

Warehouse section - some of this dates from the early 1900s.

Former factory area, smelling of soap with a hint of rancid fat and engine oil.

Planning permission has been granted for houses on the site.

 

[host]

Nice report. I think the Ramsbottom one may be gone ?? There’s a report Andy K if same place

 

[Grom]

This is very nice.

 

[jtza]

Despite being empty still looks worth the mooch. Got some great shots there.

 

[Ferox]

Looks nice mate. Cool pics as always

 

[dweeb]

Very nice

Your "counter" is a display panel for a bell system. When the push is depressed it rings the bell on top to draw your attention, and the indicator shows which of the three rooms whats attention.
Quite clever things. The red bits behind the display hang from fine wire. When the bell sounds its drawn to one side by electro magnet, so it jiggles about when the magnet goes off.

That window is a nice touch.

 

[bernold]

Damn, I got in the warehouse bit after dark and bailed as I thought it was empty. Nice to see theres actually some decent little bits in there!

 

[westernsultan]

Sigma Soap Limited was founded on 2004-03-11 and had its registered office in Leeds. The company was dissolved on the 2014-04-13 More such information at http://www.datalog.co.uk/browse/detail.php/CompanyNumber/05070722/CompanyName/SIGMA+SOAP+LIMITED if interested

 

[dave]

Good find and usual excellent report, i loved the 2 ampmetres on the wall. I reckon its always worth a good look even though it appears bare at first.

 

[tweek]

Good eye for details, of which there are many.

 

[KPUrban_]

Considering how empty that place is you have managed to uncover so many fine and interesting details. Awesome.

 

[Calamity Jane]

Its a nice explore. Looks a lot older in parts. I like the stain glass. Shame the mills gone. But nice the engine house has been repurposed. Think youve got the best out of this place. Nice shots of the safes, counter box, wood panelling etc, a lot more to see than the title expresses. Like this :

 

[Bazza74]

some nice clean shots there
Good looking safe and the little intricacies are a nice touch......well reported

 

[MotionlessMike]

Nice mate!

 

[urbanchemist]

Nice report. I think the Ramsbottom one may be gone ?? There’s a report Andy K if same place

The one in Ramsbottom is still there.