A host of growing independent retailers have moved into one of West Yorkshire’s oldest family-run mills.
Over the last 13 years, the historic mill complex Sunny Bank Mills – which is based between Leeds and Bradford – has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use development, sustaining nearly 500 jobs within more than 100 businesses. The newest businesses which have signed up for space include The Spinning Room Hi-Fi, Cargo Wines and Hoop Knit, which the Mills' owners say make it one of the most exciting and innovative retail destinations in the region.
Paul Knipe, the owner of hifi equipment and accessories business The Spinning Room Hi-Fi, which is based in the Festoon Rooms, said he had enjoyed many events and festivals at the Mills over the years and had been inspired by the focus on creativity and culture.
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He said: “The Festoon Rooms is such a perfect location to be the home of The Spinning Room Hi-Fi that I believe the room chose us. Of all the amazing spaces within the extensive Mills there is literally nowhere which could be more suited to our business. Our location shares a corridor with the thriving Record Plant record shop and Sunny Bank Mills’ very own art gallery and shop, which is the centre of the Mills.
“We are also very close to the Old Woollen live venue space which forms the beating heart of the music area of the Mills. Collaborative events are already in the pipeline to further establish Sunny Bank Mills as the ‘go to’ destination for all things music in Leeds and the wider area.”
Independent wine merchants Cargo Wines has moved into the Twisting. Director Richard Kilian said: “Although we were aware of the artistic community that has built up in Farsley over the years, it was only when the Old Woollen music venue opened that we could see the potential for a hospitality business. As the Mills has progressed with the likes of CAHM luxury fragrances and Record Plant, the opportunity to expand the wine retail business as a hybrid with the bar hospitality aspect of Cargo made perfect sense.”
Hoop Knit is a third independent retailer that has chosen Sunny Bank Mills as its new home. Director William Lingwood said: “Sunny Bank Mills is a vibrant, creative hub that draws craft and design enthusiasts from a wide area, making it an ideal location for a premium yarn shop.
“My wife Vanessa opened Hoop Haberdashery in 2011, as a small high street store in Tenterden, Kent, full of gorgeous supplies and natural fibres for knitters and crocheters. Now, 15 years later, we have relocated to Yorkshire, where we have opened our new online store and a large, welcoming yarn shop at Red Mill Lane.
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“Here, we are showcasing an extensive range of natural fibres and yarns from both local producers and worldwide brands, beautiful yarns that will inspire knitters and crocheters of all levels.”
Other new retail and leisure occupiers at Sunny Bank Mills include Candy Spa For Kids, the Welly Club Forest School, Right Nice Stuff, Duo Pilates, a physio-led reformer and mat Pilates studio with Louise Samuels, Metz Cheesemonger, Swimsport, Silly Loaf and the expansion of Record Plant.
John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse and Co Ltd, the family company which owns Sunny Bank Mills, said: “It’s so exciting to welcome these new retail businesses to Sunny Bank Mills. It was always our vision to create a place that people both love to visit and to work in. The new retail businesses fit that vision perfectly.”
“50% of the businesses at the Mills are now public facing, ranging from destination retail, cafes, a pizzeria, bars, our art gallery and shop, workshops, a music venue, and lots more. 10 years ago, it was only 15% so it’s very satisfying to see that vision become reality.”
William Gaunt added: “These are very exciting new lettings for us - and we are absolutely delighted at the range of businesses which are now joining us at Sunny Bank Mills. They broaden our appeal and provide wonderful new retail facilities for everyone who works here and for those who visit us from further afield.”