Dirk provides new lease of life for historic Leeds mill complex
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When the building came up for sale in 2013 he jumped at the chance of buying it and transforming it into a hub for creative businesses.
“I’d had an idea for a while that I wanted to encourage small businesses and give them the opportunity to grow,” he said. “I want to mix creative businesses with larger organisations and create a community.”
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Hide AdMr Mischendahl bought Castleton Mill, a former textile mill on the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Armley, from receivers and has so far spent £2.2m developing it. The building, which dates back to 1836, is about 80 per cent complete.
“It’s been a bigger project than I thought it would be,” admitted Mr Mischendahl, who has a 50 per cent stake in the building.
“But it’s a phenomenal building and I wanted to do a good job, keeping as many original features as possible.”
The sandstone floors have been put back down using reclaimed Yorkshire stone at the cost of £100,000 per floor. Other original features include vaulted ceilings, original wooden beams and large open windows.
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Hide AdThe 15,000 sq ft workspace is already 40 per cent let to firms including the PR company Chatter, graphic design agency B&W, and stationery company, Prints with Feelings.
About 20-30 people currently work in the building but at capacity there could be 300 people based there.
A reception area is due to be completed this week and the building will be officially launched to the market in September with rents from £30 per person per week.
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