The Crown Estate has reported that multiple potential buyers are looking at acquiring the Dalton Mills complex in Keighley, after the prior owner went bankrupt. The Grade II listed Victorian site has been the subject of numerous inquiries. Following an arson attack that destroyed the main building in 2022, the Crown Estate took responsibility for restoration. Other fires have also affected other parts of the complex, but break-ins remain frequent despite improved security measures.
Not-for-profit group Future Transformation is among those seeking to acquire the mill complex, with a vision to restore it for use as a place for business, commercial lets, and community gatherings. CEO Tim Rogers urged community ownership would best protect the site’s future. Like Rogers, local community members have called for increased security measures to prevent further trespass and arsons.
The two title deeds for Dalton Mills were “disclaimed” by the Treasury Solicitor in 2023, subjecting the freehold to “escheat”, a rare, ancient legal process. Therefore, the Crown Estate must offer it for sale to maintain it as an independent, commercial business whose profits support the Treasury. If sold, the Crown Estate would keep the money from the sale.
In 2013 a developer purchased the site with plans to convert it into an arts, cultural, and wedding venue, but the main building was never renovated and instead rented out to TV shows for filming, including Peaky Blinders, a popular British period crime drama. In October 2022, two teenagers were found guilty of an arson attack causing £15m of damage to the site. McKenzie Motron, aged 18, and a 17-year-old co-conspirator from Bradford, in West Yorkshire, will be sentenced on October 7th
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
