Northern Mills Reimagined Shaping Communities and Preserving History

Mills are important to our landscape and heritage. They matter as much as churches and country houses. Sadly, many mills are empty or falling apart, some even facing demolition. About 690 mills in the north of England are unused. Fixing them could create 42,000 homes and 84,000 jobs.

A recent survey revealed that 85% of people don’t want mills destroyed. They prefer seeing them used for homes, offices, or public spaces, which is better than new construction elsewhere. Utilizing old mills helps local areas grow, providing housing and job opportunities.

For four years, I worked on “Mills Transformed,” showcasing how old mills can get new life. I found people creatively reusing mill buildings and documented 33 updated mills in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

I discovered unexpected success stories. Big mills were amazingly transformed into homes, business spaces, art studios, and galleries. You can also find colleges, cafes, and a car showroom inside; one even holds Britain’s longest bar.

My work included interviews for a “Mills Transformed” book. I spoke with mill owners, builders, and users, sharing their ideas for successful mill updates. These renovations often hinge on dedicated people with vision and hard work.

We should celebrate these people for preserving and reusing our industrial history. Their stories demonstrate that mills can become homes and workplaces again. It takes energy, vision, and commitment to make it work.

The “Mills Transformed” book is now available, along with a photo exhibit at Bradford Industrial Museum. The book utilizes case studies of mills I’ve visited, explaining successful mill projects. It also offers ideas for updating more mills.

Consider Legrams Mill, built in Bradford in 1873 by Lockwood and Mawson, who designed other prominent buildings there. Legrams Mill now houses student housing, a wedding shop, and a restaurant.

Velvet Mill, built in 1838 as Lister Mills, was once the largest silk mill. Its windows were designed to be opaque, preventing workers from looking outside. Now, stunning apartments sit on Velvet Mill’s roof.

Douglas Mill, dating back to the 1840s, was renovated into Dixons Sixth Form Academy in 2020. It retains many of the mill’s original details, creating a bright and modern school space.