Work is now well under way at the speculative development of an historic Grade II listed textile mill in the heart of the thriving Park Valley Business Park in Lockwood, Huddersfield.
The 20,600 sq ft heritage Mending Rooms building is being imaginatively converted to high-quality business accommodation.
The project has been supported by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the total project costing £2.3m.
Contractors JM Building Yorkshire Ltd revealed that the building will be completed in July next year.
Martin Duckett of developers Park Valley Huddersfield Ltd explained that the radically-refurbished Mending Rooms would deliver prime SME employment space on a successful site to support inward investment and company expansion.
He commented: “We are confident that this exciting opportunity will attract successful and growing innovative companies to occupy and work alongside each other within contemporary space of the highest quality in a heritage setting.”
Mike Dove, of leading Leeds-based property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips, commented: “The new-look Mending Rooms, with four state-of-the-art floors, will support economic growth in the Huddersfield area and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We are providing space that small start-ups and entrepreneurs can occupy, as they enjoy first-class physical and digital infrastructure, supporting the growth and sustainability of their businesses. Ample on-site parking is also available.”
Martin Duckett added: “We are tremendously proud of what has already been achieved at Park Valley Business Park and Park Valley House, where more than 150 sustainable jobs have been created already. Once completed, the Mending Rooms should be home to another 80 employees.
He explained: “We have been able to transform a derelict industrial site into a modern business park, with first-class industrial units and wonderful heritage building in Park Valley House. Now the Mending Rooms will be the next jewel in our crown.”
“We have built speculatively in a challenging commercial property market, placing our faith in the Huddersfield area and this faith has been rewarded on a site which has a proud history and a great future.”
Cllr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member with portfolio responsibility for regeneration, commented: “We are committed to making sure Kirklees has a strong, sustainable local economy. By supporting developers and businesses to create high quality workspaces we can encourage more people to set-up and grow their business in Kirklees.
“We were happy to support the developer with their bid for funding and look forward to seeing the spaces used by small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to take advantage of the high quality physical and digital infrastructure on offer.”
Both Park Valley Business Park, which comprises 18 light industrial units, and Park Valley House are now fully occupied.
The development has the full support of Kirklees Council.
