Upgraded listing for ‘TV’ mill

A FORMER textile mill famous for its starring roles in TV and film has been recognised by English Heritage as being amongst the top 8% of nationally significant buildings.

Dalton Mills in Keighley, which is currently undergoing restoration, has had its listing upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.

The status is awarded to sites that are deemed by English Heritage to be ‘particularly important buildings of more than special interest.’

The change in listing means that the mill’s new owner Bellissimo Workspace will face stricter controls about preserving the building.

However, it could also allow greater access to funding as English Heritage only usually awards grants to Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings.

Dalton Mills, which dates back to 1869, will become one of just over 1500 buildings in Yorkshire to obtain Grade II* status, alongside historic landmarks such as Leeds Civic Hall and St George’s Hall in Bradford.

Its upgraded status will give it the same recognition as Salts Mill in Saltaire and Bradford’s Manningham Mills.

The mill was built by Joseph Craven and was once the largest textile mill in the region, employing more than 2000 workers until the decline of the textile industry changed its fortunes.

Dalton Mills was bought by Paul Harris of Bellissimo in May and a programme of restoration has begun, starting with the roof which was in a state of disrepair, partly due to a major blaze in 2010.

The Clock Tower, which accounts for around 20,000 sq ft, has already been renovated and houses 26 local businesses, including Fab Lab Airedale and Autoprint.

Mr Harris is asking for local opinion about potential uses for the rest of the 200,000 sq ft site, and some of the ideas which have been put forward include a manufacturing or green energy hub, an educational museum or an Asian wedding venue.

The mill frequently attracts interest from production companies who want to use it as a backdrop for TV or film and it has had a host of starring roles in productions such as Peaky Blinders, North and South and a number of Bollywood films.

Mr Harris said: “It’s fantastic that the architectural significance of Dalton Mills is being recognised. Although it might put additional constraints on renovating the site, in the long-term the upgraded listing should help to preserve its heritage. I think it is a beautiful building, which is what prompted me to buy it, and it’s certainly worthy of its new listing.”