Historic Mill Resold After Just Four Months

A historic Grade II*-listed mill, Thwaite Mill, has been placed back on the market by its developer owner only four months after its purchase. The 19-acre site, located near Stourton on the banks of the River Aire, features six Grade II-listed buildings, including two water wheels, a manager's house, stables, workshops, and warehouses.

Leeds Civic Trust has voiced concerns about the mill's future, particularly as it is being offered in an online auction on June 23rd with a guide price of £600,000. The trust fears that an auction format may not provide sufficient control over who acquires the property. It is estimated that the site needs millions in investment to be properly revitalized.

Historically, the buildings date back to the 1820s, originally producing dye for the fabric trade. After falling into disuse in 1975, it was restored and reopened as a museum in 1990. The site, which was recently used for filming, also requires a new owner to maintain access roads, a bridge, and canal moorings.

The developer cited a need to focus on other projects as the reason for the quick resale. The Civic Trust emphasized the urgency of finding a suitable owner who understands the complexities of maintaining a listed building, suggesting that public grant funding might be necessary if private development falters.