Midland Mills | 22 Homes Brought to Life Through Heritage Restoration in Grade II Listed Mill

Heritage is at the core of Midland Mills which originally functioned as a foundry and engineering workshops for textile machinery works. Now, this deep restoration sees the building being sensitively transformed to encompass 22 specifically designed apartments, which increases the high-quality homes from 284 to 306 across the site as a whole.  This forms the second phase of the prestigious Sky Gardens, a landmark £50M+ mixed-use development in Leeds’ Southbank area being developed by Citylife. The project blends contemporary design with industrial heritage, creating a striking example of urban regeneration, stitching the old and the new.

“It’s been a real pleasure collaborating with heritage expert Tom Cardoe and the wider Henley team on the restoration of Midland Mills. Their care and commitment have been invaluable to the project. thank you for involving me in your insightful film.”

— Luke Sach, Associate, DLA Architecture

From reinstating original fenestration to seamlessly integrating contemporary MEP systems, the work exemplifies how sensitive intervention can unlock new life in old structures. DLA’s role in the design celebrates authenticity while enabling modern functionality. Midland Mills exemplifies a model of urban regeneration that values character, craftspeople, and community. The second phase not only provides high-quality homes but enhances the architectural narrative of Leeds’ South Bank, giving new purpose to one of the city’s most historically significant industrial sites.

As the Sky Gardens masterplan progresses, Midland Mills stands proudly at the scheme’s heart.