Restoration planned for remaining buildings at historic mill site

Dudleys Consulting Engineers has been appointed to assess the last two remaining buildings for redevelopment at the Sunny Bank Mills regeneration site in Farsley, near Leeds.

Dudleys is advising on the Structural and Civil design plans to support the redevelopment of the former 3,000 sq ft Dye House and the 2,500 sq ft Boiler House to enable refurbishment into modern, mixed-use accommodation.

Sunny Bank Mills was founded in 1829 by a group of local weavers.

Over the last 10 years, considerable investment has been made by sixth generation family owners William and John Gaunt to regenerate the site into a mixed-use complex and cultural hub where over 350 jobs have been created so far.

Dudleys has been retained as consulting engineers for the duration of redevelopment spanning over 10 years.

Peter Dixon, director at Dudleys, said: “We are pleased to be retained to advise on the last two important buildings at Sunny Bank Mills.

“The site is of considerable heritage value and so we must always seek to maximise the potential to retain as much of the old as well as incorporating the new.

“For all of the once derelict and dilapidated buildings, we have managed to safely retain the substantial core as well as the historic buildings’ fabric to preserve the industrial setting within more contemporary elements to deliver some characterful spaces that are now thriving.”

John Gaunt said: “The story of Sunny Bank Mills is of considerable note, not just for Leeds but for the UK as the world leader in textile manufacturing.

“Since the value of weaving was lost, we have worked tirelessly to sympathetically regenerate the site for modern day use and maintain its employment potential.

“We have worked with Dudleys for the entire redevelopment process, and they have proved to be an invaluable partner throughout.”

Dudleys is a Leeds-based company offering structural and civil engineering advice across the UK. Established more than 14 years ago, the consultancy employs a team of 25 engineers.

It operates in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education.