Swan Lane Mills Numbers 1 and 2

These cotton spinning mills, numbered 1 and 2, were built in two phases in 1903 and 1906, designed by Stott and Sons of Oldham. They were constructed as a double mill, forming a single block with a uniform architectural style. Number 1 mill, to the west, was built in 1903, and Number 2 mill was added in 1906. The mills are built of brick with a flat concrete roof designed to house a reservoir, and feature internal construction of cast-iron columns and brick arched ceilings.

The mills are five storeys high with a basement. Number 1 mill has 25 bays and 5 divisions, while Number 2 mill has 23 bays and 6 divisions. Both mills have wide, segmentally arched windows, with some being blind in the end walls and others blocked on the principal elevations. The end walls now create a significant division separating the mill processes. Projecting stair towers are situated on the south wall at each end.

A projecting double engine house is located to the northwest, initially built to serve Number 1 mill but anticipating the addition of Number 2. A rope race tower projects behind the engine house. Decorative features are minimal, including a yellow brick eaves band and a stone dentilled cornice, with Italianate detailing on the towers, which have balustraded parapets. Number 1 mill has a single-storey and basement extension to the north side, possibly originally a card room extension and now used for warehousing. Number 2 mill has a two-storey office block attached near the site entrance. A chimney bearing a swan emblem in white lettering (though not at its original height) is located near the engine houses, along with possible remains of boiler houses. The interior has not been inspected.

At the time of the second mill's completion, the complex was the largest spinning mill globally. A third mill, Swan Lane Mill No. 3, was added to the site in 1914.