Historic England (HE) has produced a study to review and develop best practice in the regeneration of West Riding of Yorkshire’s textile mills.
HE writes:
Textile mills have helped to define the identity of West Yorkshire for many generations. The first mills started to emerge in the late 18th century as the Industrial Revolution started to shape the landscape, economy and communities of the region. Few settlements in West Yorkshire are not influenced in some way by their relationship with ‘the mill’, and the same holds true for many rural landscapes. They were the original Northern Powerhouse.
Historic England engaged Cushman & Wakefield and Lathams Architects to produce a study to review and develop best practice in the regeneration of West Riding of Yorkshire’s textile mills. There were two key elements to the brief:
- A review of six ‘case study’ mills that have been successfully regenerated
- Assessments of the potential of eight ‘target’ mills that are currently underutilised/vacant.
The report highlights the opportunity for vacant and under-used mills in the region to act as a stimulus for regeneration activity and to contribute to growth in the local economy.
