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Henley Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Construction Management Group, has been appointed principal contractor for the structural transformation of Midland Mill in the city centre.

City Life Developments is converting Midland Mill into 22 residential apartments alongside its Sky Gardens development, a 33-storey tower block being built by Torsion.

The two projects together have a gross development value of £90m.

Dating back to 1793 and recognised by Historic England as the Midland Junction Foundry, the mill’s restoration goes beyond preservation. The goal is to future-proof the structure of the building while retaining its architectural character.

“This is a flagship heritage project and a major undertaking,” said Tom Cardoe, managing director for restoration at Henley Construction Management Group. “Our role isn’t just to preserve the past; it is to engineer it for the future. That is where Henley sets itself apart: we plan, we build, we restore, all in-house.”

The works began with a high-resolution 3D photogrammetry survey, guiding a coordinated restoration programme. Several historic elevations will be dismantled and rebuilt, with engineered temporary works ensuring safety and control throughout.

Structural reinforcement will use bespoke stainless-steel components fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel, integrating seamlessly with original timber, masonry, and concrete to ensure the building’s long-term stability.

Key features of the restoration include the replacement of the roof, with a new steel structure fabricated in-house and topped with natural slate integrated with solar PV tiles. This is expected to generate more than 40,000 kWh of renewable energy a year. The external fabric of the building will be cleaned using Therm-atec steam technology, a non-invasive method that lifts surface build-up while preserving the integrity of the original materials.

Extensive envelope repairs will follow, including full lime mortar repointing, the installation of bespoke timber sash and Georgian windows matched to original profiles, and the use of reclaimed or replica materials to ensure heritage fidelity.

Henley will draw on specialist divisions across the group, including Henley Brickwork, Henley Rail, and Henley Stone Specialists.

“Appointing Henley Restoration & Remedials Ltd was an easy decision,” said Gareth Morgan, managing director of City Life Developments. “Their attention to detail, in-house capability, and deep respect for heritage made them the natural choice. Midland Mills is at the heart of our Sky Gardens scheme, and we’re excited to see it restored as a symbol of Leeds’ evolving future.”

Shaun Henley, managing director of Henley Construction Management Group, added: “This project represents everything we stand for: precision, passion, and a commitment to safeguarding the UK’s built heritage. We’re proud to be trusted with such a meaningful part of Leeds’ urban story.”

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