News: £11m historic mill conversion for Khalsmith Developments

Powell Williams has been appointed to oversee the £11m residential conversion of Horsforth Mill in Leeds.

The project will see the creation of 89 new one- and two-bedroom apartments at the site in Low Lane. As historic building specialists, and with extensive experience of project managing multi-million pound new build and refurbishment projects, Powell Williams’ appointment by Khalsmith Developments is oversee the scheme.

Originally a textile factory

Horsforth Mill was built in 1904. The building, which lies within the Horsforth, Cragghill and Woodside Conservation Area, was later extended and used as office accommodation, but has been vacant for a number of years.

Extensive refurbishment and construction

Demolition of the 1960s extension and outbuildings has already been completed. Refurbishment of the original mill has begun along with construction of two new build sections. Car parking and the central courtyard will provide a total of 115 parking spaces and there will be secure storage for up to 28 bikes.

The project will see the landmark mill brought back to life after several years’ lying vacant, to house a total of 34 apartments. Internally, little remains of the original fixtures and fittings, so the building will be stripped to allow for modern electrics, plumbing and other services to be installed.

Externally the stonework will be cleaned and the iconic tower restored. The windows and the roof will be replaced and a new glazed stairwell created. Finally, a single storey upwards extension will house the nine two-bedroom penthouse apartments.

Two sympathetically-designed new builds will complete the scheme, clad in a stone to complement the original mill. A five-storey new build directly adjacent to the existing mill will house 50 apartments over an under-croft parking area, while a separate two-storey building on the other side of the courtyard will house the final five apartments.

Paul Scourfield, Powell Williams partner and head of the Leeds office, said:

“Horsforth Mill has lain empty for a number of years and previous works have not been sympathetic, so it was in a sorry state. This project will revitalise the building and bring it back into use, giving it a new lease of life and protecting it for the future.

“This project has seen the removal of the mid-century additions which had no historic value, which are now being replaced with well-thought-out, carefully designed new build sections. We are protecting and restoring the historic parts and the team has worked closely with local conservation officers over the design and materials. We’re pleased to have a scheme that will not only look great and pay homage to the original landmark building, but that will also provide high quality new homes for local people.”

Additional consultants

The scheme was designed by West and Matchell Architects with Timothy Stowler engineering consultants, and work is being carried out by main contractor Landstock Developments (Northern) Limited. The project is expected to be complete by June 2018.

Horsforth was named one of the Sunday Times UK’s best places to live in a national poll recently, thanks to its attractive and vibrant town centre, excellent schools, and a warm community spirit.