The first phase of a major regeneration of the 13-acre Park Valley Mills site in Lockwood is now complete and fully let – providing more than 70 jobs.
The site, which is owned by Holmfirth Dyers, is being transformed into a high-quality business park featuring 18 brand-new industrial units with office and storage space.
Park Valley Mills had previously been derelict for many years with buildings falling into disrepair.
Now the revamped site off Meltham Road has attracted a clutch of companies providing more than 70 jopbs.
The final two units in the first phase – accounting for 45,560sq ft – have been leased to Distinct Disposables.
Founded in 1987, the family-owned company is a one-stop shop for the distribution of cleaning and janitorial products to customers across West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Manchester.
Director Emma Wood said: “Our new units at Park Valley Mills are three times the size of our current premises in Meltham and are perfect for the future growth plans of the business. We feel at home already. It is perfect.”
Holmfirth Dyers managing director Martin Duckett said work on phase two – which features 9,250sq ft of industrial space divided into units as required – had now been completed.
Talks were well advanced with two potential occupiers to take more than 6,200 sq ft.
He said: “There is a distinct lack of high-quality units in Huddersfield, so we have not been surprised by the demand for our attractive and practical modern units, which start from 2,200 sq ft and can be adapted to suit.
“Our aim, which is now being achieved, is to create opportunities for local businesses and to encourage them to come to a site in attractive peaceful surroundings, yet situated close to the centre of Huddersfield.”
Tenants on site already are Holmfirth Dyers itself, which has taken 9,700 sq ft of manufacturing and storage space; heating and air conditioning company Midland Jay, which has taken 2,200 sq ft; Process Imaging Equipment Services, with 2,200 sq ft; and Denby Dale Coffee Ltd, which has also taken 2,200 sq ft.
Mike Haigh, partner with property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips, which is agent on the site, said: “This is a superb development for Huddersfield, which is already creating jobs and regenerating the area.
“Holmfirth Dyers must be congratulated on building speculatively in a challenging commercial property market.
“The company has tremendous faith in the Huddersfield area and is delighted to welcome new occupiers to this site, which has a proud history and a great future.”
Paul Kemp, assistant director for investment and regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “The council welcomes the fact that a successful local company is leading on a scheme to provide much-needed expansion space for businesses to the Huddersfield area.”
The site already houses a state-of-the-art dyehouse – the first of its kind to be built in the UK for 20 years.
The dyehouse, which is capable of handling 50 tonnes of material a week, has created five jobs with more expected as production increases.
