Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltdhas been appointed by City Life Developments Ltd as principal contractor for the restoration and structural transformation of Midland Mill, on Silver Street in Holbeck, one of Leeds’ oldest surviving textile mills and a cornerstone of the city’s rich industrial heritage.
The restoration of Midland Mill marks a flagship phase in the wider Sky Gardens development within the South Bank regeneration zone. The project embodies the convergence of an ambitious urban redevelopment with a deep respect for Leeds’ architectural legacy.
Built in 1793 and listed by Historic England as the Midland Junction Foundry, Midland Mill is a powerful symbol of Leeds’ industrial heritage. Its transformation is not just about restoration but reimagining a listed building for the future, preserving its historic character while making it structurally and environmentally fit for modern use.
Henley’s appointment marks the start of a highly specialist and technically demanding programme of works. This is not a routine restoration, but a full transformation designed to reimagine the building for future use while safeguarding its original character.
As part of the preparatory phase, an initial highly accurate 3D photogrammetry survey was carried out to assess the full extent of the building’s condition and inform the detailed planning of the restoration. With activity now underway on site, the team has commenced a carefully coordinated programme of works, supported by engineered temporary works to ensure safety and precise control throughout. Several elevations will be fully dismantled and rebuilt, combining meticulous planning with specialist techniques to protect the building’s historic fabric. Structural reinforcement will be carried out using precision stainless steel components fabricated by Group partner HZS Stainless Steel Ltd, providing vital support to the existing timber, masonry, and concrete, thereby securing the building’s long-term stability and heritage character.
Early works include the careful removal and replacement of damaged stone cills and the full and safe stripping of the existing asbestos slate roof. Henley’s in-house teams will then undertake the roof replacement, installing a new steel structure, fabricated once again by HZS Stainless Steel Ltd, topped with a natural slate covering discreetly integrated with solar PV tiles. This innovative and rare solution for a listed building is expected to generate over 40,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, delivering sustainability while remaining sensitive to the mill’s historic form.
Specialist façade cleaning will be carried out by our expert remedials team using Therm-atec steam cleaning technology, which employs gentle, non-invasive techniques to remove years of accumulated paint, mastic, and surface grime. This process carefully reveals and preserves the building’s original fabric without compromising its integrity.
Our comprehensive external repair programme will restore the building’s envelope, including full rake-out and repointing of brickwork and stone with breathable lime mortar, replacement of defective materials, and installation of new guttering and downpipes designed to seamlessly complement the building’s historic character. The restoration also involves the bespoke manufacture and installation of timber sash and Georgian windows, precisely matched to the original profiles. Several elevations will be meticulously rebuilt using salvaged or sympathetically replicated materials, with every detail carefully managed to preserve architectural authenticity throughout the mill.
“This is a flagship heritage project and a major undertaking,” said Tom Cardoe, Managing Director – Restoration, Henley Construction Management Group. “Our role isn’t just to preserve the past, it is to structurally future-proof it. This is where Henley sets itself apart: we plan, we build, we restore, all in-house.”
Shaun Henley, Managing Director, Henley Construction Management Group, added:
“This project is one we’re genuinely proud to be part of. While the client’s vision sets the direction, it is the dedication, expertise, and collaboration across the team that bring it to life. At Henley, we are committed to delivering complex, heritage-led projects with care and to the highest standards.”
Gareth Morgan, Managing Director at City Life Developments, said:
“Appointing Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltd was an easy decision. Their experience, attention to detail, and genuine respect for heritage buildings made them the natural choice. Midland Mill sits at the heart of Sky Gardens, a major development for Leeds, and we look forward to seeing it brought back to life as a symbol of the city’s evolving future.”
As works progress on site, Henley Restoration and Remedials invite you to follow the transformation of Midland Mill as it reclaims its place as a proud and enduring landmark in Leeds’ evolving cityscape.
This post is based on a press release issued by Henley Restoration and Remedials
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