Developers launch £20m mill plan

From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Feb 2006.

Developers want to set up a new community at a historic mill complex dating back to the turn of the century.

The former Thompson mills complex off Thornton Road and Sunbridge Road may once again bustle with life with more than 250 flats, including roof-top apartments.

Developers JM Construction and the scheme's creators Beckwith Design Associates, today unveiled the £20 million scheme which would transform the one-acre city centre site.

One stone mill building would remain but the developers want to demolish others which have fallen derelict. They will ask for permission to replace them with about three modern buildings which would complement it.

Beckwith have already created a similar scheme at historic Victoria Mills in Shipley which is being developed by Newmason Properties.

There, the original mill is being redeveloped as homes and three modern blocks VM1, VM2 and Northern Lights are being built.

Earlier this month VM2 was bought off plan by tycoon Manof Raithatha for £20 million.

JM is also developing a similar scheme with an existing mill and new buildings at King Cole Mills, Crossflatts.

Managing director of Beckwith Design Associates Tony Lupton said they were due to submit a planning application for the scheme which would have one, two and three bedroomed apartments at prices between about £80,000 and £200,000

Mr Lupton added there were proposals for an underground car park, open spaces and a water feature.

He added the development was the type promoted by the Government to reduce the pressure for green belt housing in other areas like Baildon.

Mr Lupton said it would be 90 per cent residential with the likelihood of offices, cafes and bars on the ground floors.

They propose three new contemporary buildings to complement the remaining stone building which would be restored with its heritage features retained.

l Newmason Properties reported today that about 60 per cent of the new apartments at the £70 million Victoria Mills complex had sold, many of them to investors.

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