ONE of Bradford’s most ambitious regeneration projects has been completed, bringing historic Conditioning House back into use after 30 years of neglect.

Built in 1902, the one-of-a-kind building was once a key player in the country’s woollen industry, but it had fallen into a dilapidated state.

Over the last four years, it has been transformed in an £18 million residential scheme by Leeds-based developer Priestley Homes, becoming the firm’s biggest project to date.

The group’s main contractor, Priestley Construction has meticulously refurbished the two four-storey buildings, which are connected on the south side, and converted them into 153 modern apartments.

Situated on Cape Street in the city centre, the u-shaped structure surrounds a once-open court, with a reinstated glass roof creating a full-height atrium beneath.

Restored ironwork link bridges that connected the two main mills provide 12 apartments with balcony spaces.

The original factory gates, internal doors and ornate stonework as some of the many features the developer has retained. In addition bespoke double-glazed, wooden windows have been installed to retain the heritage of the original building.

Planning permission has also allowed the developer to extend the roof upwards to create several duplex penthouses.

Priestley Homes is marketing the site’s largest unit – The Penthouse - a five-bedroom, corner plot, as Bradford’s most expensive apartment, and it will launch for sale in the coming weeks.

Each apartment has been finished to a high specification and includes: integrated appliances and high-quality, matte grey units in the kitchens; contemporary white porcelain and chrome fittings in the bathrooms and en-suites; grey or oak laminated floors and carpet; and ceramic panel heaters.

Nathan Priestley, founder and chief executive officer of Priestley Homes, said: “We acquired this unique building in 2016 and immediately saw the incredible potential in restoring 30 years of neglect.

“Transforming Conditioning House into Bradford’s most exclusive address has been our labour of love for more than four years. The result is stunning: this truly historic site is home to some of Bradford’s highest quality apartments.

“We believe Conditioning House is the standard for which residential development in Bradford should look like. The city is thriving, with growing inward investment boosting the local jobs market. Our time and effort in bringing one of its most iconic buildings back into use will only add to Bradford’s appeal as a desirable place to live.”

A spokesman for Bradford Civic Society praised the regeneration project, saying: "It’s refreshing to see such quality!"

The Bradford Corporation built Conditioning House in 1902 through a special Act of Parliament. It was the only Council-run centre in the country for the testing of wool. In its heyday, around 70 per cent of all UK-made wool was brought in to check and control the moisture content.

Even before completion, the project picked up best residential development in Yorkshire at the 2018/19 UK Property Awards. The plans to transform the historic mill building saw it being named the Best Apartment Development in the region.

And in 2019, the project was boosted by securing a £1.5m grant from West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s investment committee to help finance the restoration.

It was said that the transformation of the building could attract further investment in the Forster Square Regeneration Area.

As well as the New York Loft-style apartments, the development will also include office space, a gymnasium and a café.

Following the success of the main project, Priestley Homes has submitted plans to add an additional 14 homes in the lower ground-floor level of mill one.

Construction will begin in the third quarter of 2021, subject to planning approval.

According to the latest application, it will involve converting the vacant low ground floor level of Mill 2 into an open plan office space and gym, as well as 11 new flats. The ground floor level link building will be converted into three further apartments.

The first phase at Conditioning House has sold out and it is the penthouses which are currently being marketed. Prices start from £99,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, and between £125,000 to £160,000 for a top-end duplex penthouse.

Prospective buyers of the 5-bedroom The Penthouse at Conditioning House are invited to enquire about price on application.

An open day is being held next week with estate agent Linley & Simpson, which is appointment only. Email info@priestleyhomes.co.uk to register your interest.

More information on Conditioning House is available at priestleyhomes.co.uk/development/award-winning-development-conditioning-house.