Canal landmark gets restoration treatment

Today, the building is set to welcome a new generation of entrepreneurs after undergoing a major refurbishment.

The Grade II listed former spinning and weaving mill, which was built by businessman John Dewhirst in 1828, acts as a landmark for anyone who travels on the canal through Skipton, in North Yorkshire.

The three-month transformation of the building in Belle Vue Mills, on Broughton Road, has been completed on behalf of Rushbond, the Leeds-based property investment and development company.

The 2,207 sq ft property next to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath will now become part of a new business community.

The first floor has access on to the canal towpath and a large external decked area. The second floor features exposed timber roof trusses.

Rushbond has appointed Westlake & Co, from Skipton, as agents to market the property alongside DTZ and Hayfield Robinson from Keighley.

Mike Hartley, Rushbond’s development director, said yesterday: “It is suitable for a range of commercial uses including offices, retail and leisure. The large external decked area is well-suited to a café or restaurant, with scope for living accommodation above.”

Anyone moving in to the refurbished building will have some high profile neighbours.

Occupiers of the first phase of the development at neighbouring Belle Vue Square include Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Other firms who have already set up a base in Belle Vue Square include the specialist recruitment companies, Medac Healthcare and Holt Doctors.

Rushbond is no stranger to waterfront developments.

It developed the £120m mixed-use Brewery Wharf scheme in Leeds.

The company’s other schemes include the Airport West office park next to Leeds Bradford Airport and the development of a new headquarters for the BBC at Quarry Hill, in Leeds.

Rushbond is also behind the revival of another iconic Yorkshire building, The Majestic in Leeds city centre.

Originally built as a cinema and restaurant in 1921, the building later became the Majestyk nightclub until its closure in 2006. It has been empty ever since.

Rushbond, which bought the building in 2010, plans to turn the building into a basement music venue with bars and restaurant above.