The first of the new riverside apartment complexes is closer to completion as development work on Peterborough’s historic Mill continues.

The six-storey building, with penthouse apartments on the upper floor, stands to the left of the development site and with much of the scaffolding removed is an impressive feature looming over the River Nene with views to Peterborough Cathedral.

The former Whitworth Mill, which was built in the 19th century and stands to the right of the development, has been given a new cladding to one side and will eventually be home to 23 apartments.

Last month developer MJS Construction, of March, was given the green light to increase the number of apartments by 18 and to cut the proposed commercial units from three to just one.

From left, the three new apartment blocks with the former Whitworth Mill slowly being transformed into new apartments, right

placeholder image — From left, the three new apartment blocks with the former Whitworth Mill slowly being transformed into new apartments, right

It will mean that the Whitworth Mill plus three new-built blocks will offer a total of 80 apartments with a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bed apartments.

There will also be 63 car parking spaces..

The original plans that were approved by Peterborough City Council 25 months ago involved building a total of 67 apartments with 18 apartments in the former mill.

MJS is the third company to be involved in the development of the site, which is a key part of Peterborough’s £120 million regeneration flagship site, Fletton Quays.

The six storey apartment block at the Whitworth Mill development in Peterborough

The original buyer had planned for the transformation of the Mill into a boutique hotel but pulled out of the sale during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The land was previously occupied by buildings that supported the original mill building and formed part of the Whitworth flour production and distribution plant.