Thwaite Mills: 'Change in circumstances' sees Leeds' landmark up for sale for second time in a year

Thwaite Mills, most recently used for the filming of A Woman of Substance, was once hailed as "one of the best last remaining examples of a water-powered mill in Britain".

Since run as a museum by Leeds City Council, it closed in April 2024 and was eventually sold on by the Canal & River Trust to an Ilkley-based property developer.

Now, after concerns were raised over the building's future by Leeds Civic Trust, ahead of an auction this coming Tuesday, the owner has confirmed it is for sale once more.

Richard Holmes, of Odsal Properties, said: "Whilst we are still very much looking forward to seeing the property brought back into use, we have made the difficult decision that it is too large a project for us to take on at this point in our lives.

"Therefore, and due to other changes in circumstances, we made the decision to sell the property, to allow someone else to take on this exciting opportunity."

The original mill building dates back to 1641, with redevelopments in the early 1820s, and has seen many uses from textile works to dyeing and manufacturing.

Leeds Civic Trust has raised concerns over its coming sale, with a guide price at £600,000.

Director Martin Hamilton said: “This former mill is of significant heritage value, and we are concerned that a sale by auction to the highest bidder might not be the best way to secure its future.

"Anyone purchasing the building needs to do so with their eyes open to the challenges a building such as this presents as well as the opportunities for its future reuse," he added.

Mr Holmes said: "We purchased the property in August with the intention of converting and restoring the historic mills to provide a mixture of residential and commercial uses, and make a destination of this uniquely situated site.

"Throughout the marketing period, we have been intrigued to hear the plans of interested parties and are excited to see what the successful purchasers make of the landmark site."

The sale is through Savills, with the land and water space extending to 19 acres. Listings state: "Thwaite Mill has most recently been a museum attraction and wedding function facility. The mill has been put to a range of uses primarily connected with crushing seeds, timber, flint and chalk for the use in dyeing and the manufacture of materials including barytes for paint and glazing putty until 1975."