Bike ace puts old mill on fast track

Jan 19 2008 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A HUDDERSFIELD building firm has joined forces with one of the fastest men on two wheels to launch its latest development.

Cookson Homes, based at the 1531 Melting Point development on Firth Street near the town centre, has recruited reigning World Superbike Champion James Toseland to unveil plans to turn a former mill at Luddenden Foot in Halifax into luxury apartments.

The Doncaster-born rider is investing an undisclosed sum in a joint venture with Cookson to turn the Grade II listed Oats Royd Mill into 40 one and two-bedroom apartments with prices starting from £115,000.

Doncaster-born James said: “This is my first venture into property development and I’m very excited to be working with Cookson Homes.

“The company has a great reputation for building outstanding properties in excellent locations and Oats Royd Mill will be no different. I’ve been involved from the early stages of this development and it is going to be a special place to live.”

The flats will feature designer kitchens with granite worktops and integrated appliances. The master bedrooms in the two-bed apartments will include ensuite bathrooms. Apartments facing the rear of the development will have individual balconies.

Other features of the site, which dates from 1847, will include one-and-a-half acres of landscaped gardens with a mill pond as well as private parking. The scheme is scheduled for completion in January next year.

Cookson managing director Joe Cookson said: “James’s decision to work with us is great testimony to both the way we run the business and the homes we build.

“We are delighted that a world champion wants to be involved with Cookson Homes and feel that his undoubted drive and ambition are values we both share.”

He said: “James will be kept informed of the development’s progress and contribute to planning meetings so he is part of the project management team.

“With James’s enthusiasm for the development and our commitment to delivering excellent homes, we are certain that Oats Royd Mill will be our next success story.”

Cookson Homes was formed in 2006.

The company employs 80 people throughout West Yorkshire and is projecting turnover of £15m for its current financial year.