Jobs boost planned for West Yorkshire as historic mill gains new owners

A famous Yorkshire mill is set to become home for a number of fast growing businesses after gaining new owners.
(left to right) Rob Thompson, Matt Welsh and Graham Yaffe(left to right) Rob Thompson, Matt Welsh and Graham Yaffe
(left to right) Rob Thompson, Matt Welsh and Graham Yaffe

The historic Holly Park Mill has been sold to entrepreneurs who plan to invest in the site to provide an economic boost for the region.

The former textiles mill in Calverley, West Yorkshire dates back to 1866 and has been acquired by Yorkshire business and property duo Matt Welsh and Rob Thompson from owner Anglia Textile Manufacturers Ltd.

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Currently home to 15 companies, the 2.9-acre site offers more than 80,000 sq ft of commercial office space.

Mr Welsh and Mr Thompson plan to enhance the commercial, studio and storage space available in order to support early stage businesses and offer flexible space for growing companies.

Mr Welsh is a former director of Yorkshire-headquartered international furniture design and manufacturing company, naughtone, while Mr Thompson has more than 20 years’ commercial property experience.

This is the pair’s first commercial property acquisition together.

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Commenting on the purchase, Mr Welsh said: “Rob and I are both very familiar with the local area and were well aware of the positive reputation and proud history of Holly Park Mill.

“The opportunity to own a little piece of West Yorkshire’s textile heritage, which is today a well-established and successful business space, was pretty enticing.

“We’re keen to preserve the history of the mill and add to its story, making it somewhere future generations of creative entrepreneurs can grow and develop, alongside it being a location the wider community can enjoy.

He added: “Despite us all working from home more, we don’t think we’ve seen the end of the office.

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“You can’t build a culture solely working on Zoom and many people are keen to get back into the office in some form. We want to offer open, flexible spaces, close to nature, where businesses can work together, collaborate and succeed safely.”

Graham Yaffe, director of Anglia Textile Manufacturers Ltd., added: “We are genuinely delighted to have completed the sale of the Mill to Matt and Rob who we are confident will continue the growth and development of the site.

“We wish them all the best with their new venture.”

The property consultants WSB acted on the latest acquisition.

Robin Beagley, Partner at WSB, added: “Holly Park Mill is an ideal location for SMEs looking for great connectivity but in a countryside setting.

"Matt and Rob are the perfect new custodians of Holly Park Mill and we look forward to seeing them realise their exciting plans for the site.”

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