Future of listed Keighley mill uncertain one year on from huge blaze

Dalton Mill in Keighley was devastated by the fire in March 2022, leaving just the outer walls of the building remaining.

Twelve months on, no plans for the building’s future have been put forward.

But heritage body Historic England, Bradford Council and local MP Robbie Moore all say they hope they can work together to “bring the mill back to a sustainable and beneficial use.”

The Grade II listed mill, built in the 1860s, was part of the town’s proud industrial past.

In recent years it has had many different uses – as well as being home to a number of businesses, it was used as a film set for productions such as Downton Abbey, the Limehouse Golem and Peaky Blinders.

The fire took hold of the building on March 3 2022, and at its height over 114 firefighters and eight officers attended the scene.

The building’s roof collapsed, and many felt the building would have to be demolished for safety reasons.

But an inspection of the building shortly after by Historic England found it was “stable in the short term” and would not require demolition.

Dalton Mill as it stands today (Image: newsquest)

One year on from the fire the Telegraph & Argus asked Historic England whether there had been any further movement in trying to retain the building.

A Historic England spokesperson said: “Dalton Mill in Keighley is a Grade II* listed mill which has been on the Heritage At Risk Register for a number of years.

“As a hugely significant piece of Keighley’s heritage, we are keen to use our skill and expertise at Historic England to help Bradford Council find a way to bring the mill back into sustainable and beneficial use for the local area.”

A year on from the blaze, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We know how important Dalton Mill is to Keighley and the wider District and we are working with Historic England and the owners of the Mill to secure the long-term future for the site as we know it has great potential.”

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said: "Last year’s fire at Dalton Mill was a devastating blow to our town. As a key site and a much loved asset by many within Keighley, I am fully supportive of Historic England’s efforts to bring this site back into use.

"I have discussed this with Historic England previously and I am due to meet with them shortly along with other key stakeholders to discuss options. It is without doubt a complex site, but for the good of Keighley, it is vital we restore this site to its former glory and drive job opportunities.”