Toseland aims to race ahead in property

WORLD SUPERBIKE champion James Toseland has formed a partnership with a Yorkshire housebuilder to transform a former mill.

The venture with Huddersfield-based homebuilder Cookson Homes will see Oats Royd Mill at Luddenden Foot, near Halifax, converted into apartments.

It is Doncaster born Mr Toseland's first venture into property development.

He said: “I've been involved from the early stages of this development and it is going to be a special place to live.”

Dating back to 1847, the grade two listed building, located above the Calder Valley, will comprise 40 one and two bedroom apartments priced from £115,000.

Joe Cookson, Cookson Homes' managing director, said: “James's decision to work with us is great testimony to both the way we run the business and the homes that we build.

“We are delighted that a world champion wants to be involved with Cookson Homes and feel that his undoubted drive and ambition are values we both share.

“He will be kept informed of the development's progress and contribute to planning meetings, so he is part of the project management team.”

Established in 2006, Cookson Homes employs 80 people in West Yorkshire and is predicting turnover of £15m this year.