Member Article

Two new deals at Sunny Bank Mills

Two new deals have been completed at Sunny Bank Mills, the iconic Yorkshire mill complex between Leeds and Bradford.

Leeds (West) Foodbank and portrait photographer Karen Gavin are moving into the refurbished mill in Farsley, where YTV’s Emmerdale and Heartbeat were filmed.

Leeds (West) Foodbank has taken 1,200 sq ft of office and storage space in Red Lane Mill, while Karen Gavin Photography is moving into The Mending Rooms, the historic Georgian mill, which is currently undergoing an extensive modernisation programme

During the past three years Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use complex for the 21st century, creating 200 new jobs.

These two deals come hard on the heels of six transactions this spring and summer at Sunny Bank Mills.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse, the owners of Sunny Bank Mills, commented: “We are delighted to welcome both Leeds (West) Foodbank and Karen Gavin Photography to Sunny Bank Mills. Their moves underline the versatility and flexibility of space at Sunny Bank Mills, which is attracting an exciting breadth of occupiers.

“The foodbank, which will be especially busy as Christmas approaches, is using Sunny Bank Mills as a warehouse and administration centre. Their dedicated volunteers will become an important part of the ever-growing and diverse community here,” said Mr Gaunt.

Lucy Pitkin, the co-ordinator for Leeds (West) Foodbank, said: “There is a huge need for a foodbank in West Leeds. We were attracted to Sunny Bank Mills by the quality of the office accommodation, the ambience of the whole complex and its excellent location, with on-site parking.

“We are a new charity, and had a specific wish list of our needs – a long tenancy (which can be difficult for charities to get), a loading bay, a 1,200 sq ft warehouse and office space in one unit, a car park, and access whenever we needed.

“We were very lucky to be put in touch with the Gaunts, who have been very supportive of our charity and community aims. They are always on hand to answer any questions or deal with any issues. We love the way that the mill is being developed so creatively and is at the heart of the Farsley community,” she said.

Karen Gavin, who has taken 700 sq ft of quality office and studio space in The Mending Rooms, explained that she had moved because Sunny Bank Mills was perfect for the new direction her business was taking.

“I was looking for a friendly location, full of character, for my family portrait studio and felt immediately at home and welcome by the owners and management team. They took the time to understand and accommodate my needs when developing the studio space for me. I am very happy now and grateful to them for all their hard work,” she said.

John Gaunt commented: “These two new lettings underline our commitment both to the community and to the arts. With our new art gallery now open, Sunny Bank Mills is a genuine hub for the creative sector.”

Mike Haigh of Leeds property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips, who are marketing Sunny Bank Mills with Jones Lang Lasalle, added: “These recent deals further vindicate the capital expenditure and attention to detail the refurbishment of Sunny Bank Mills has created. This is a very special development, which has consistently attracted quality tenants in a challenging market for commercial property.”

Stuart Andrew, the Conservative MP for Pudsey, who visited the mill complex recently, commented: “I am very impressed to see such wonderful work being done to maintain and restore the heritage of Farsley. It is tremendous news for Farsley that the mill complex is once again creating jobs for the village as well as becoming a focal point for the community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .