Dean Clough, Halifax – Dean Clough Ltd with Mark Hide Associates

Who is on the project team?

Cushman and Wakefield - Agent
Savills - Agent
Walker Singleton - Agent
Mark Hide Associates - Architectural Consultant
Bonnington Chartered Surveyors – Chartered Surveyor
The Landscape Practice - Landscape Architect
Garry Scott Groundworks - Groundsman
Ambience Engineering Ltd - Mechanical Engineering Consultants
Perega - Structural Engineers
Reginald Maude Ltd - Electrical Contractors
Newsome - Heating / Electrical Contractors
Heatworks Ltd - Air Handling
BBS Electrical Ltd - Contractor
Building Interiors - Interior Fit-Out and Refurbishment

Describe the context of this project and its neighbourhood and people?

Dean Clough is an important heritage collection of 16 mill buildings stretching over half a mile to accommodate one million sq ft of workspace on the outskirts of Halifax town centre. They were originally constructed between 1840 and 1870 by the Crossley family who founded Crossley Carpets in 1822 and soon became the largest carpet manufacturer in the world. The subsequent decline in the textile industry forced closure in 1982 after which the complex was purchased privately for redevelopment.

Over 40 years, Dean Clough Limited has invested tens of millions to fund the regionally significant regeneration project. Through long term investment and considered curation Dean Clough has since become a major success story for Halifax, Leeds City Region, and indeed Yorkshire. The place is now a diverse hub for 150 businesses employing around 4,000 people. It provides 1,300 on site car parking spaces, secure cycle provisions, nine restaurants, shops, a nursery, hotel, gymnastics club, health and beauty outlets, theatres, and public art galleries. The venue also offers spaces for hire and has an ongoing programme of events and heritage trails to engage the public year-round.

Tell us what you did and how the project enlivened the place?  

Dean Clough is a destination known for its diversity, being home to a range of small independent businesses through to large enterprises such as Covea Insurance. An established arts and cultural offer includes theatres with two resident theatre companies, six galleries with a permanent art collection on display as well as a dedicated arts mill with studios. The creation of a varied, vibrant and diverse community has been a core commitment for Dean Clough from the outset with the arts being a vital part of this journey. Theatre companies IOU and Northern Broadsides, the 300-seat subterranean Viaduct Theatre, half a dozen galleries, a significant collection of original art works, artist studios and a dedicated Arts Mill all contribute to the dynamic whole.

Dean Clough Ltd is now embarking on the next stage of development on site which brings forward an exciting mix of new office accommodation, more amenity space and new public realm.

Did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution? 

As well as being one of the biggest centres for commerce and employment in Calderdale, Dean Clough supported many charitable causes. Space is given to support donations for the people of Ukraine with free pop up shop for refugees and to Calderdale Lighthouse Charity to wrap presents for disadvantaged families. Dean Clough is hosting The Big Business Sleepout, the biggest fundraising event of the year for Happydays UK, supporting the homeless.