New life breathed into Marshall’s Mill
WORK has started on a major refurbishment project at an historic former flax spinning mill which in its industrial heyday was considered one of the largest factories in the world.
Igloo Regeneration is investing in a full interior re-fit of three of the six floors at Marshall’s Mill in Holbeck Urban Village, Leeds.
The grade two-listed building was part of a complex started in the late 1700s by industrialist John Marshall.
At its peak Marshall’s Mill, together with the neighbouring Temple Works, employed more than 2,000 workers.
Phase one of the refurbishment is underway and Chetwoods Architects, based at Marshall’s Mill, have been appointed by Igloo to create a design which will celebrate the ‘historic charm’ of the mill.
The work is being carried out by interior fit-out contractor, Absolute Contract Interiors, which has been working alongside Chetwoods, Igloo and Jones Hargreaves to design the final specifications for the build, which includes the infrastructure of the building as well as the fit-out itself.
The renovation will reveal some of the original brickwork and stone floors and create a number of smaller office suites from 1,000 sq ft.
Marshall’s Mill was redeveloped into offices in 2001, with Igloo taking over the development in 2003.
The new suites are being created to break down the large floor plates at the complex and offer more flexible work space to accommodate smaller businesses, particularly those involved in the creative industries. Tenants will also have access to improved broadband speeds of 100Mb.
Paul Simmons, director at Igloo, said: “We decided that now is the right time to invest because we noticed, particularly in the last couple of years, changes in demand for office accommodation with far less companies, particularly in the new media sector, needing large floor plates of over 10,000 sq ft, leaving parts of the mill empty.
“In reaction to this, we are investing in a refurbishment to turn the large floor spaces into smaller suites which, in turn, will accommodate the smaller growing companies that thrive in our community, whilst retaining the flexibility to open them out again to accommodate larger companies.”
Recent new tenants at Marshall’s Mill include software developer TxtTools and online advertising technology business FlashTalking, which has outgrown its offices at the neighbouring Round Foundry Media Centre, home of TheBusinessDesk.com.
Mr Simmons added: “It’s always been our intention to create the types of works spaces in which companies can grow and creativity can thrive.
“Yorkshire is already the fastest-growing digital sector in the UK outside of London, currently employing more than 123,000 people, and we want to continue to support this sector and these refurbishments are proof of our confidence in this expanding market.”
A second phase of refurbishment is planned for later this year, including new lighting, reception area and a turfed lawn which could provide a ‘stage’ for a programme of public art works.
Igloo Regeneration, which also owns the Round Foundry Media Centre and Marshall’s Court, is a partnership of pension and life funds managed by Aviva Investors.
