Business Details
Creative Hub for Arts Heritage & Business
Sunny Bank Mills stands as a beacon of cultural and commercial regeneration in Farsley, Leeds. Established in 1829, we are a sixth-generation family-owned destination that harmoniously blends heritage preservation with contemporary creativity. Our restored mill buildings house dynamic business spaces, a vibrant arts gallery, and a museum safeguarding over 180 years of textile history. The arts programme features rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events that champion emerging artists while our heritage initiatives ensure the community's industrial legacy endures. With flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes and a commitment to sustainable regeneration, we foster an ecosystem where commerce, culture, and community thrive. Our team combines expertise in heritage management, arts curation, and business development to create environments that inspire innovation. As custodians of this historic site, we maintain rigorous standards in conservation practices while embracing modern technologies for accessibility.The museum's 60,000 cloth samples and digital archives demonstrate our dedication to preserving tangible history. Through educational programmes and community engagement initiatives, we ensure our resources benefit both local residents and international visitors. Our dual focus on preserving the past and nurturing future creativity positions us as a trusted authority in cultural regeneration. This balance of tradition and innovation has earned recognition from institutions like the Daily Telegraph, which hailed our textile archive as one of Britain's most significant. By maintaining transparent operations and prioritising visitor experience, we continue building trust with our stakeholders while advancing our mission of sustainable heritage preservation.
Services
Arts Gallery
Heritage Tours
Business Spaces
Retail Spaces
Creative Workshops
Highlights and features
- Sixth-generation family ownership with 194 years of heritage expertise
- Award-winning heritage preservation and digital archiving practices
- Dedicated arts programme supporting emerging Yorkshire artists
- Unique blend of historic architecture and modern business facilities
- Community-focused regeneration model with proven sustainability
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity Number 1212723
What people say
Fantastic experience
Wonderful place
Interactive history tour
Creative vibe
Beautiful building
Services
Arts Gallery
Our contemporary art gallery showcases Yorkshire-based artists in a former cloth warehouse. Featuring rotating exhibitions every two months, we support emerging talent through our annual Ones to Watch programme. The space combines historic architecture with modern curation techniques to create inspiring visitor experiences.
Heritage Tours
Guided tours of our textile museum offer immersive experiences with 180 years of industrial history. Visitors explore original machinery, fabric archives, and interactive displays. The tours combine traditional storytelling with digital technologies like 3D printing for enhanced educational value.
Business Spaces
Flexible commercial spaces accommodate businesses from startups to established enterprises. The restored mill buildings feature modern amenities while preserving historic character. Tenants benefit from creative environments and proximity to Leeds and Bradford city centres.
Creative Workshops
Hands-on workshops led by professional artists cover various disciplines. The programme includes community engagement initiatives and educational sessions for schools. Facilities feature dedicated studios in the Finishing Room and Spinning Mill spaces.
Retail Spaces
Available retail units support local craftspeople and entrepreneurs. The gallery shop curates Yorkshire-made products while commercial spaces cater to diverse business needs. Tenants benefit from high footfall and integration with cultural events.
People
William Gaunt
Joint Managing Director
Sixth-generation custodian overseeing mill operations and financial management. Combines hands-on heritage conservation with business strategy, maintaining the site's industrial legacy while driving modernisation efforts.
John Gaunt
Joint Managing Director
Technology and signage specialist with a commitment to community-focused business practices. Manages day-to-day operations while ensuring the mill's historical character informs contemporary developments.
Fiona Gell
Communications Director
Marketing expert with heritage sector experience, responsible for promoting the mill's cultural programmes. Organises literary events and ensures balanced representation of all tenant communities through strategic communications.
Anna Turzynski
Arts Director
Curator of the gallery's exhibition programme, focusing on accessible arts initiatives. Develops cultural events and studio spaces that showcase both traditional and contemporary artistic practices within the historic mill setting.
Rachel Moaby
Heritage Director
Specialist in textile history preservation, managing the museum's extensive archive collection. Implements innovative display techniques including 360-degree photography to enhance visitor engagement with industrial heritage artefacts.
Questions
What are Sunny Bank Mills' opening hours?
Gallery open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Museum open Saturdays 10am-3pm. Estate Office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
How can I book a heritage tour?
Book Saturday heritage tours through our website. Group and research visits available by appointment.
Are there business space rental options?
Flexible commercial spaces available for businesses of all sizes, from studios to large units across the 10-acre estate.
What arts programmes do you offer?
Rotating exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies including our annual Ones to Watch showcase for emerging Yorkshire artists.
Is parking available at the site?
Free visitor parking available across multiple car parks, including designated spaces near the Weavers' Yard and woodland areas.
How is the mill accessed by public transport?
15-minute walk from New Pudsey Station or 16 bus from Leeds City Centre. Bradford connections via 72 bus route.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Loraine Wright
Jan 17, 2022
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To say it's all scrap stuff I wasnt that impressed with the prices . The shop scraptastic in Shipley is better
Deborah Sykes
Nov 13, 2021
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A very informative visit to the archive. the lady was very knowledgeable and made our visit really memorable
Mike Ford
Oct 21, 2021
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What a great place! Lovely people running this great little gallery, and display space. Lots of interesting pictures, artwork, furniture to look at, and such an interesting building. The cake and coffee is rather special too 😁
Chewie Houdini
Oct 16, 2021
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What a great place! We visited the recycle shop. Friendly staff. The whole complex is well worth a visit.
Kayt Armstrong
Aug 19, 2021
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Many small business operate from here that I love - the Mill Kitchen, Grumpys and Saint Jude are all well worth a visit, even of you're not exactly local!
Justyna Mocniak
Aug 15, 2021
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Fantastic place where you can rest, enjoy arts and much more :) Fab staff that makes you feel like home :)
Anne Smeaton
Aug 12, 2021
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Lovely food, poor Covid measures. Staff member sneezed into her hands, put apron on, without sanitisation and staff member leant right across the table to clean it, with no consideration about distancing, and no mask.
