A PROJECT to transform an historic Mirfield mill into high-quality offices has made big strides.

Wheatley Park, formerly known as Hopton Mills, has been turned into a rural office park. The latest phase has seen the restoration of the 1812 Building at the four-acre complex.

An attractive 18th century watermill alongside the 1812 Building has also been refurbished as part of the scheme spearheaded by Leeds-based developer St James Securities.

The developer has already secured four lettings in the three-storey 5,800 sq ft building while half of the 25,000sq ft office space available in total has been let.

Oliver Quarmby, of St James Securities, said: “Wheatley Park lies in a beautiful wooded valley and is an oasis of calm only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Calder Valley and M62 corridor. It is a unique environment for a modern business park and a hidden gem.”

He said: “We are especially pleased by the success of Wheatley Park because we took the unusual step of building speculatively in the middle of the deepest recession since the Second World War. We have secured five lets already with a great mix of tenants.

“We have obtained planning permission for the conversion of a further two buildings to offices and they will be built out on a sequential basis. We are now on course to create a thriving, highly-regarded business environment at Wheatley Park.”

Waste recycling business Sunersol has signed a deal to take 1,065 sq ft in the 1812 Building, joining interior architecture company Normal TM, marketing consultancy Purebrand Creative Communications and a science company on the site.

Some 2,400 sq ft of quality office space, divided into three suites, is still available to lease in the 1812 Building.

Craig Thompson, of Sunersol, said: “We chose the site at Wheatley Park to house our office operations because of the outstanding setting, excellent location and top quality facilities.

“The development stood out head and shoulders from anything else in the area.”

Meanwhile 12,100 sq ft of office space is available at the lovingly-restored Watermill, where textile firm Camira Fabrics has taken 13,000 sq ft. This space can be divided into a maximum seven suites, each with its own front door. The building overlooks a mill pond and bridge access with panoramic views across the rolling countryside.

Agents for Wheatley Park are Hanson Chartered Surveyors, of Huddersfield, and Michael Steel & Co, of Leeds.