Seven year strategy for Sunny Bank Mills

AMBITIOUS plans to create 500 jobs at a mill complex that is being given a major makeover are to be unveiled.

The Sunny Bank Mills complex, which has been owned by the Gaunt family for almost two centuries, has already helped to create 120 jobs within the SME market.

The site, which has been used extensively as a filming location for episodes of Emmerdale and Heartbeat, has had £2.5m invested into it over the last four years by owners and directors William and John Gaunt.

Now its owners are to unveil a masterplan for the complex, located in Farsley, Leeds, for the next seven years by holding an open day on Tuesday, November 27.

Mr Gaunt said: “We believe very strongly that we must preserve the legacy of Sunny Bank Mills for future generations. This open day will demonstrate our commitment to the site and to the Farsley community, encouraging the community to become involved in what we are doing here.

“We are retaining and refurbishing existing historic buildings such as Sandsgate and the 1912 Mill, where Yorkshire Television filmed Emmerdale and Heartbeat, to create new jobs and regenerate the site.

“We estimate that 500 new jobs will have been created here by 2020, making Sunny Bank Mills the economic powerhouse of Farsley once again.”

The open day, taking place at Sunny Bank Mills at 3pm, will be attended by the Gaunts, architects KPP, marketing consultants Dove Haigh Phillips and ward councillors from Leeds City Council.

It will feature an exhibition detailing the past history of, and future plans, of the complex.

Mr Gaunt added: “Ultimately we are the guardians of this exceptional site. Whilst it has a tremendous history, we must look to the future. This is a labour of love and we are very conscious of the need to get it right, not just for us, but also for Farsley.”