Textile mill to be brought back to life 30 years on through apartments scheme

Halifax-based San Pedro Properties and Eagerlux is spending £300,000 transforming the Old Woollen Mill in Batley into apartments.

The family-owned company’s managing director Andrew Mear is investing the money three decades after his father John bought the mill.

Andrew has received planning permission from Kirklees Council for the work.

He said: “Buying the Old Woollen Mill, built in 1863, was originally a big risk but now holds real sentimental value.

“It has been part of the family business for as long as I can remember and was one of my father’s original investments.

“Despite high prospects for this building under the Batley Challenge redevelopment programme over the past 15 years, the upper floors have remained empty. It’s been a two-year struggle to get planning permission, but I’m glad we’re finally converting it into something of need and securing future of the building.”

John Mear considered turning the mill into housing 30 years ago but decided against it due to limited demand.

Under the new plans, the first phase of the conversion will create 15 one-bed apartments with a manager’s office on the top floor. If this is successful the lower floors will then be converted.