Member Article

Phase one of £1.75 million Huddersfield site regeneration complete

Phase one of the major regeneration of the historic 13-acre Park Valley Mills site in Lockwood, Huddersfield, has been completed.

The site, which is owned by Holmfirth Dyers, is being transformed into a high-quality business park, featuring 18 brand-new industrial units with office and storage space.

Park Valley Mills had previously been derelict for many years, with buildings falling into disrepair. Now the revamped site off Meltham Road in Lockwood is creating new jobs and regenerating the area.

Holmfirth Dyers managing director Martin Duckett explained that work on Phase One of the development, which comprises six industrial units for lease, was now completed with four units already occupied. Work on Phase Two, who will feature up to 9,250 of quality industrial space, divided into units as required, has now begun.

He commented: “There is a distinct lack of high-quality units in Huddersfield, so we have not been surprised by the demand for our attractive and practical modern units, which start from 2,200 sq ft and can be adapted to suit tenants’ requirements. Rents are in the region of £6.85 per sq ft

“Our aim, which is now being achieved, is to create opportunities for local businesses and to encourage them to come to a site in attractive peaceful surroundings, yet situated close to the centre of Huddersfield,” he added.

The tenants on site already are Holmfirth Dyers themselves, who have taken 9,700 sq ft of manufacturing and storage space; heating and air conditioning company Midland Jay, who have taken 2,200 sq ft; Process Imaging Equipment Services, who have taken 2,200 sq ft; and Denby Dale Coffee Ltd, who have also taken 2,200 sq ft.

Gary Conway, director of Midland Jay, said: “Our new premises at Park Valley Mills are first-class. They are clean, spacious, practical and presentable. We are proud to meet our customers here, especially since we are only five minutes from the centre of Huddersfield and close to Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network. We are definitely here to stay”.

Mike Haigh, partner with leading Leeds property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips, commented: “This is a superb development for Huddersfield, which is already creating jobs and regenerating the area.

“Holmfirth Dyers must be congratulated on building speculatively in a challenging commercial property market. The company has tremendous faith in the Huddersfield area and is delighted to welcome new occupiers to this site, which has a proud history and a great future.

“Now significant deals have been done on Phase One, Phase Two is beginning,” he added. “There has been strong interest in the two last units of Phase One units and deals are close to being finalised.”

Paul Kemp, assistant director for Investment and Regeneration for Kirklees Council, commented: “The council welcomes the fact that a successful local company is leading on a scheme to provide much-needed expansion space for businesses to the Huddersfield area.”

The site already houses a state-of-the-art dyehouse – the first of its kind to be built in the UK for 20 years. The dyehouse, which is capable of handling 50 tonnes of material a week, has created five jobs with more expected as production increases

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