Great news from our Group! Our sister division, Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Construction Management Group, has been appointed by City Life Developments Ltd as principal contractor for the restoration and structural transformation of Midland Mill, one of Leeds’ oldest surviving textile mills and a cornerstone of the city’s rich industrial heritage.
The restoration of Midland Mill marks a flagship phase in the wider Sky Gardens development within the South Bank regeneration zone. The project embodies the convergence of an ambitious urban redevelopment with a deep respect for Leeds’ architectural legacy.
Built in 1793 and listed by Historic England as the Midland Junction Foundry, Midland Mills is a powerful symbol of Leeds’ industrial heritage. Its transformation is not just about restoration but reimagining a listed building for the future, preserving its historic character while making it structurally and environmentally fit for modern use.
As part of the wider Henley Construction Management Group, we work in close collaboration with our sister divisions, Henley Restoration and Remedials, Henley Brickwork, Henley Rail, and partner HZS Stainless Steel Ltd.
Together, we offer a broad range of in-house capabilities, from precision-crafted stainless steel components and structural supports to bespoke fabricated elements designed for complex and specialist construction environments.
This integrated model, backed by a long-established and reliable supply chain, enables the Group to deliver projects of all types and scales, from commercial and award-winning residential developments to heritage restorations, remediation works, and specialist rail infrastructure, with outstanding efficiency, craftsmanship, and architectural sensitivity.
The appointment of Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltd marks the beginning of a highly specialist and technically complex programme of works at Midland Mill. Far from a routine restoration, this is a full structural transformation that reimagines the future of the building while preserving the integrity of its historic character.
As part of the preparatory phase, the team carried out a detailed 3D photogrammetry survey to assess the building’s condition and guide the planning process. With work now underway on site, a carefully coordinated programme has begun, underpinned by engineered temporary works that ensure precision and safety throughout. Several elevations will be fully dismantled and rebuilt using traditional and specialist methods designed to retain and protect the mill’s historic fabric. Structural reinforcement will be delivered using precision-engineered stainless steel components fabricated by our trusted Group partner, HZS Stainless Steel Ltd, providing vital support to the original timber, masonry, and concrete.
Early works include the delicate removal and replacement of damaged stone cills, followed by the full, safe removal of the existing asbestos slate roof. Henley’s in-house teams will then undertake a full roof replacement, featuring a new steel structure, again fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel Ltd, finished with natural slate and discreetly integrated solar PV tiles. This rare and forward-thinking solution for a listed building is expected to generate over 40,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, combining sustainability with architectural sensitivity.
The building’s façade will be cleaned by the expert remedials team using Therm-atec steam technology, a non-invasive method that lifts paint, mastic, and grime while protecting the original material beneath. Meanwhile, a full external repair programme will address every element of the building’s envelope: from raking out and repointing stone and brickwork with breathable lime mortar to the replacement of defective materials and installation of new rainwater goods designed to complement the mill’s heritage character.
The restoration also includes the bespoke manufacture and installation of timber sash and Georgian windows, made to precisely match the original profiles. Several elevations will be rebuilt using carefully salvaged or authentically replicated materials, with each detail managed to uphold the architectural integrity of this remarkable building.
“This is a flagship heritage project and a major undertaking,” said Tom Cardoe, Managing Director – Restoration, Henley Construction Management Group. “Our role isn’t just to preserve the past, it is to structurally future-proof it. This is where Henley sets itself apart: we plan, we build, we restore, all in-house.”
Shaun Henley, Managing Director, Henley Construction Management Group, added:
“This project is one we’re genuinely proud to be part of. While the client’s vision sets the direction, it is the dedication, expertise, and collaboration across the team that bring it to life. At Henley, we are committed to delivering complex, heritage-led projects with care and to the highest standards.”Gareth Morgan, Managing Director at City Life Developments, said:
“Appointing Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltd was an easy decision. Their experience, attention to detail, and genuine respect for heritage buildings made them the natural choice. Midland Mill sits at the heart of Sky Gardens, a major development for Leeds, and we look forward to seeing it brought back to life as a symbol of the city’s evolving future.”
At Henley Stone Specialists, we’re proud to stand alongside our sister divisions in the delivery of this flagship heritage project. The work at Midland Mill demonstrates the full strength of the Henley Construction Management Group, a seamless blend of technical precision, traditional craft, and collaborative expertise. We look forward to seeing this historic mill reimagined and restored as a proud landmark in Leeds’ ever-evolving cityscape.
For more information on restoration projects delivered by Henley Restoration and Remedials, click here.
