Former Emmerdale mill welcomes two new tenants

The historic Sunny Bank Mills, near Farsley, where ITV’s Emmerdale was once filmed, has just seen two more significant deals completed,

Think Architecture, a growing architects’ practice, has relocated from Headingley into the Mending Rooms at the mill complex, while alternative catering company Bears Pantry has opened its first kitchen in Red Lane Mill.

Think Architecture has taken 632 sq ft of quality office space at a rent of £13.45 per sq ft on a three-year lease, while the Bears Pantry is paying £7 per sq ft for its 780 sq ft kitchen, also on a three-year lease.

Simon Smithson, director of Think Architecture, explained: “We found Sunny Bank partially by chance. We were visiting Adept, structural engineers who are based here, to discuss a project and we were shown round the complex. The rest is history.

“We particularly liked the Mending Rooms, as they have bags of character. Our office there is exactly the right size and shape of space we require. The parking, local amenities, good transport links and an existing creative community all combine to make this a perfect location.

He added: “We have found our landlords the Gaunts to be very helpful and friendly with a straightforward approach to business which is most refreshing.”

Sam Pullan, owner of Bears Pantry, commented: “We are an expanding catering company, which specialises in rustic, alternative and imaginative food. Our brand-new kitchen at Red Mill Lane in the heart of Sunny Bank Mills reflects our aspirations and is the perfect base from which to work.

“Sunny Bank Mills is a thriving business and creative community which is putting Farsley back on the map. As Bears Kitchen’s reputation continues to grow, we are proud to be part of this success story. We also have an excellent relationship with our landlords, who are flexible and supportive, providing us with exactly the kind of space we need.”

The 10-acre Sunny Bank Mills was transformed into a high-quality business centre for small and medium-sized companies in Yorkshire following a comprehensive refurbishment.

Directors John and William Gaunt, whose family have owned Sunny Bank Mills for over 200 years, have invested £4m in the mills to regenerate the site and to reclaim its status as the prime employer in Farsley.

John Gaunt said: “We are delighted to welcome our two brand-new new tenants to Sunny Bank Mills. Both are ambitious, innovative companies, looking to expand and prosper. We believe Sunny Bank Mills is the perfect base for them.

“We are seeing a steady flow of new tenants into Sunny Bank Mills, breathing new life into an historic complex. They are all excellent examples of go-ahead businesses being attracted to a quality business environment and their arrival underlines the versatility and flexibility of space at Sunny Bank Mills, which is attracting an exciting breadth of occupiers. Altogether we now have over 60 companies on site, with more in the pipeline.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →