Traditional craftsmen snap up space in renovated mill complex

Two new deals have been completed at the historic Twisting building at Sunny Bank Mills, between Leeds and Bradford.

The Twisting, which has just undergone a £350,000 refurbishment, is now fully open and fully let.

The two new tenants at the are shoemaker Yorkshire Sole and woodwork school Wharfedale Workshop. They join the cocktail bar Botanic Request and the Emma White Jewellery Studio, run by BBC TV’s All That Glitters star Emma White.

White will be opening her new showroom this weekend in the renovated premises.

Yorkshire Sole’s founder Dean Westmoreland, who is one of the stars of the BBC programme The Repair Shop, said: “Sunny Bank Mills has been on my radar for a long time. The whole atmosphere around the place is one of creativity and innovation, while also being steeped in heritage.

“When I first visited the Twisting, I was immediately taken with the fantastic light from the large windows – something essential for my craft. This, along with the space being more than four times the size of my previous shop, really got me excited.

“Landlords John and William Gaunt have been incredible. They were genuinely interested in Yorkshire Sole and what we’re trying to achieve.”

Westmoreland has been joined in the Twisting by Nick Thompson, who runs the Wharfedale Workshop, which specialises in woodwork courses for beginners and intermediates.

Thompson, who has relocated from Ilkley, said: “I had been looking for a new home for my woodwork school for some time. Once I heard there was a vacancy at Sunny Banks Mills, I jumped at it.

“The whole site has a fantastic feel which matches my hand tool woodwork ethos and the Twisting has been wonderfully renovated, with large windows, lots of light and lovely views.”

William Gaunt said: “The regeneration of the Twisting is another piece in the jigsaw in the regeneration of Sunny Bank Mills.

“Now the renovation has been completed, it is ready to be a tremendously stimulating space in the heart of our mill complex.

“Dean and Nick both practice traditional crafts which are making a welcome comeback in the 21 st century. Their businesses and their ethos fit in perfectly with the character and heritage of our mill.”

John Gaunt added: “Both these deals are a resounding endorsement of our new-look Twisting building. We are very proud that all four units in the gallery were let well before the renovation was complete.”