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Due to all the uncertainties
around cost, timing, planning
and occupier demand, mill
regeneration projects are
viewed as high risk ventures by
some developers and funders.
However, there are several
precedents of best practice that
identify plausible approaches
for addressing the constraints:
Target appropriate occupiers
Creative businesses have flourished
in converted mill buildings including
those at Marshall Mill and Sunny
Bank Mills in Leeds.
The public sector has chosen to
accommodate repurposed mill
buildings such as the NHS at
Acre Mills in Huddersfield and at
Douglas Mill in Bradford.
Design and adaption solutions
Having greater flexibility in the
adaptation of buildings, including
partial demolition and new build
on site using the concept of
‘Constructive Conservation’, can
help drive change in mill buildings.
A good example is at Victoria
Mills, Shipley, where the loss of the
previous weaving sheds enabled the
integration of old and new buildings
with a high quality public space
to create a successful residential
redevelopment.
Business model solutions
The conventional developer model
only works in certain circumstances
and so it may be beneficial to
consider alternative models.
Investors/developers establishing
medium/long term funds that
target such assets is one approach
being used to bring forward mill
redevelopment in inner city Leeds.
Best Practice
Approaches
PERSPECTIVES
10
MEETING THE CHALLENGE