A NEW report has revealed the vast scale of potential in re-using historic Yorkshire mills to create homes, jobs and green growth.

Commissioned by Historic England, ‘Driving Northern growth through repurposing historic mills’ reveals there are 237 vacant and underused mills in Yorkshire, most of which are in West Yorkshire.

Of these, 67 are in the Bradford district, including Albion Mill and Manningham Mills in Bradford, Airedale Mills in Shipley and Lower Holme Mill in Keighley.

The 750,000 sq m of vacant floor space in these historic Yorkshire buildings – the equivalent of around 105 football pitches - could accommodate almost 9,000 homes. And there is space for a further 15,400 homes on the surplus land around mills.

Alternatively, 27,600 jobs could be accommodated if the vacant space in Yorkshire’s mills was repurposed for a mix of office and light industrial use.

Trevor Mitchell, Historic England’s North East and Yorkshire regional director said: “Yorkshire’s mills are such an important part of our history, culture and landscape.

“These amazing buildings and sites can accommodate wonderful homes, workplaces and cultural spaces. Special places where the history and character shines through.”

The report by global property consultants Cushman and Wakefield, highlights three projects in West Yorkshire - Conditioning House in Bradford city centre which has been transformed into apartments, and Rutland Mills in Wakefield and Hunslet Mill in Leeds, which are in the process of being redeveloped.

It describes Conditioning House as a Grade II listed building which was built in 1902 to monitor textile quality in the wool industry.

“The mills fell into a state of disrepair and neglect for a period of 30 years until developer, Priestley Homes, part of the Priestley Group, carried out the £18 million renovation, completing in 2021.

“The building now houses 153 apartments with a meticulously refurbished glass atrium and workspace at ground-floor level. Planning is also submitted to create 13 more apartments in the lower ground floor.

The report, which was being presented to the Northern Culture All Party Parliamentary Group today, adds that the reuse of mills also aligns with ambitions for improving environmental sustainability, including an obligation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Research produced for Historic England demonstrates that by refurbishing or retrofitting historic buildings, significant carbon emissions associated with demolition and use of materials needed for a replacement new build are avoided.

Evidence shows that mills can be successfully renovated to meet energy conservation requirements and explore renewable energy generating opportunities.

Mills also offer a sustainable alternative to urban extensions through reusing brownfield sites, easing pressure on greenfield land. And their often-central locations also minimise the need for travel, and the associated carbon emissions, as a result of proximity to jobs, services and amenities.

Stephen Miles, partner at Cushman and Wakefield, said: “We have seen a surge in the market’s appetite to repurpose textile mills for residential and commercial purposes, and this latest work underlines the scale of the opportunity that remains.”

Jason McCartney, MP for Colne Valley and Northern Culture All Party Parliamentary Group vice-chairman, said: “Regenerated historic textile mills can unlock social and economic benefits for the people of the north by driving the regeneration of whole areas, and helping to deliver the Government’s Levelling Up Agenda. They can provide a focal point for communities, enhancing quality of life, creating homes and jobs, attracting investment and aiding economic recovery."

He highlighted a number of successful mill regeneration projects in his constituency, including Titanic Mills, Acre Mill as the NHS Outpatients Department for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

"These conversions each, in their own way, make a valuable contribution to the community and I am keen to help unlock opportunities for future mill redevelopment in my constituency.”

The report is an update of Historic England’s Engines of Prosperity report.