Three firms moving to new purpose-built premises at Salts Wharf in Shipley are all set for expansion.

And the companies have helped restore a long-forgotten corner of old Shipley with their move.

Making up the three are leading insurance brokers Sydney Packett and Sons, interactive media specialists Bradford Technology, and the people behind the design of Salts Wharf Limited, chartered architects Halliday Clark.

Salts Wharf is in the heart of a conservation area which straddles the Leeds- Liverpool Canal.

Halliday Clark have designed the 12,000 sq ft building to ensure that it blends in with the surrounding cobbled streets, old mills and warehouses.

The use of natural stone and blue slate for the roof all help create the look of a traditional three-storey mill building.

The three partners formed a new company, Readco 193, to help them mange the building more effectively.

With much of the work done, they are all agreed that the heartache and extra work - Sydney Packetts have taken 500 cases full of files to Salts Wharf - will be well worthwhile.

"It's right to celebrate the past," says Andrew Packett, joint director of Sydney Packett & Sons. "But now is the time to move forward and take another step in the development of the company."

A view that's shared by Bob Gomersall, chairman of Bradford Technology Limited: "We really needed more space and Salts Wharf presented a perfect opportunity to do just that."

Adam Clark has another reason to be pleased. "We've designed so many special buildings for our clients it's nice to have the opportunity to do something for ourselves.

"And we've kick-started a re-generation of the area, which has got to be good news for Shipley and indeed the whole of the Bradford area."

Started in 1985, Bradford Technology are publishers of a wide range of multi-media which helps adults and children to learn interactively using a computer at home, at school or at work.

Its branded consumer titles include the 'Mr Men' series as well as route planning packages for the Automobile Association.

Set up in 1993, Bradford-based chartered architects Halliday Clark Limited has a wealth of experience in various building sectors, including commercial developments, listed building refurbishments, industrial, education, offices, arts, housing, sports and health buildings.

Started 80 years ago with its roots firmly in the Bradford district, Sydney Packett & Sons are very much a family- run business - joint directors Andrew and Charles Packett are the grandsons of the company's founder, Sydney Packett.

Today they are one of the North's largest independent insurance brokers.

The firm's 40 staff offer advice on all aspects of insurance and risk management to a wide range of corporate clients, owner-managed businesses, Plcs and individuals.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.