Fears for Yorkshire's derelict and underused textile mills

Yorkshire’s mills are a reminder of a proud industrial heritage but over a quarter are empty, derelict or underused, according to the latest figures from Historic England.It is urging housing developers to be more intrepid and explore the opportunities that the buildings present before it is too late. Demolishing them to make way for new housing is an option that is increasingly being used for those that are not listed.“Most of the mills in Yorkshire are former textile mills. They were the original Northern Powerhouse and are fundamental to the history, culture and landscape of northern England but sadly they’re rapidly being lost, or stand empty and neglected. What they need is developers with creative vision,” says Rosie Ryder of Historic England, who adds that they make wonderful homes, workplaces and cultural spaces. ”There are 917 surviving mills in Yorkshire and 237 are empty or under-used..Fear prevents many developers from taking up the challenge. A good architect is vital and costs of conversion are considerable and not easily quantifiable.Financial viability is also a big issue in areas where home values are low.Guy Taylor, an architect and managing director of development company Candelisa, says that it costs at least 35 per cent more to convert a mill than it does to construct new-build homes.Candelisa is a veteran having converted three mills before embarking on the recent transformation of Horace Mill in Cononley, near Skipton.

Horace Mills, Cononley, by Candelisa

The firm, which has an in-house construction team, is in the final stage of turning the building into apartments and houses. It has also added a contemporary annexe to the rear plus new commercial premises.Prices range from £565,000 for a duplex penthouse and £189,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.The prime location and the exceptional design and attention to detail means that 75 per cent have already sold off plan with the last 25 per cent just released.“The mill at Cononley isn’t listed so we could’ve demolished it but converting a mill is more rewarding and challenging than new-build. It takes a lot longer too. There’s a minimum two-and-a-half year build time on something like this,” says Guy.“That’s another reason why most developers aren’t interested in doing what we do. Very few will take mills on because of the time and money needed.”He adds that most owners don’t want to keep them if they are empty as they pay a fortune in empty building rates.“It’s more lucrative to demolish them and sell the stone and slate. It’s sad because there are some phenomenal mills in places like Huddersfield and Bradford that could be converted,” says Guy who believes that the government should create some incentives such as removing the section 106 contributions on residential development.For more inspiration, another sterling example of what can be achieved is at 18th century Glasshouses Mill, near Pateley Bridge. Its conversion into houses, cottages and apartments with a cafe/shop is a joint venture between the owner and property developer Newby.Nick Moody, a founding partner of Newby, lives in the area and could see the potential of the Grade II listed, riverside building.A seasoned developer used to tackling conversions, he and his business partner, Simon Hepden, who has experience of working on listed buildings, relished the chance to give the mill a new life.“We started this project mid 2017 and it’s great fun but you do come across challenges. We had to stop and redesign because we uncovered a beautiful doorway and foundations in one corner needed underpinning. "It’s all part of working on beautiful old buildings but it’s worth it for the satisfaction they bring. I know I’ll be able to walk past it and be proud of helping to preserve a heritage asset,” says Nick.Homes at Glasshouses Mill are from £155,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to £599,500 for a four bedroom house. Visit https://www.newby.co.uk/developments/glasshouses-mill