Construction work has resumed on a multi-million pound project to renovate an historic mill.

Hartley Property Group confirmed the work is back under way at Globe Mills, Slaithwaite, following Kirklees Council’s decision to pass altered plans for the site in Bridge Street on July 2.

But the first stage of the two mill project, incorporating most of Globe One, the mill nearest to Huddersfield Narrow Canal, may not open until next July, over a year later than expected.

It will include a doctor’s surgery, retail units, an artisan hall, cafe, office space, and an Innovation Centre, while it is also hoped that ground floor parking in Globe Two will be opened at the same time.

David Brescia, Hartley Investment Trust’s spokesman, said: “Following the successful approval of variation of planning conditions on July 2, the construction work has now resumed.

“Our schedule anticipates the completion of the first phase of the development – i.e. most of Mill One and the additional parking in the ground floor of Mill Two – by the end of July 2016.”

As mentioned previously in the Examiner, the scheme has been down-sized so will no longer include a nursery, a gallery space or offices, while less parking spaces will be created.

Colne Valley MP, Jason McCartney, has gained further information about the scheme after contacting the group.

He said: “I received an email from the group which said that a quarter of the whole construction budget will be spent in the next three months and all of it will be spend by July next year, so people should see a change very soon.”

However, he and Colne Valley councillors Nicola Turner and Donna Bellamy said that the public needed to be kept informed.

Mr McCartney said: “I think connection to the public is important and I have been encouraging Hartley to put photos on its Twitter feed @GlobeHud.”

Clr Bellamy, said that she welcomed the project but hoped that Hartley inform the public and kept to the new timetable.

Clr Turner, added: “I think developers are terrified of speaking to the public.

“But people here will listen and want to be part of a discussion to ensure the project is the best thing for the village.

“It’s when developers remain silent that people start to get suspicious or worry.

“From now on I’d like to see good communication between the developer and councillors and the public.”

She also highlighted the importance of creating a link bridge from Slaithwaite’s main shopping street, Carr Lane, over the canal to the Globe Mills’ entrance.

“I’ve had public concerns about the bridge. It’s imperative that it is put in place quickly to connect with the centre as without it people may not visit Slaithwaite’s shops, which could kill the village.”