7th April 2017

Thomasons’ Leeds office provides expertise at UNESCO World Heritage Site

The building surveying team from Thomasons’ Leeds office has been appointed to provide its expertise for the re-roofing of Salts Mills, a Grade II Listed building near Bradford, West Yorkshire, as part of the ongoing refurbishment of the historic mill.

Forming part of the Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage site, the building was originally constructed in the 1850s as a textiles mill and is now a popular tourist attraction, housing the Hockney Art Gallery, specialist retail outlets and restaurants.

The project, expected to take 40 weeks to complete, involves the re-roofing of the section of the mill formally known as the ‘Wash House’. The slate roof will be removed and replaced with new Welsh slates that match the existing covering.

The work also includes the removal of a water tank and reinstatement of roof trusses previously removed to accommodate the tank installation. Areas of dry and wet rot within the roof structure will be treated and the remaining large water tank and lift motor room housings restored.

Thomasons was initially involved in the refurbishment of Salts Mill 14 years ago, when the re-roofing of the main building was completed. The building surveying team continues to play a significant part in the ongoing regeneration of the former mill.

Following completion of the roofing project, it is proposed to develop lower floors of the building into gallery, retail and office space. Later works will include the provision of a new lift shaft, as well as the creation of an outdoor piazza and performance space.