Breathing life into a Bradford icon

The transformation of Bradford’s Conditioning House – from a dilapidated mill into the city’s premier postcode – is complete.

Leeds-based developer, Priestley Homes, has converted the Grade-II listed building into 153 modern apartments.

The group’s main contractor, Priestley Construction, brought the £18 million residential scheme to life over two years.

Situated on Cape Street, the site comprises two meticulously refurbished four-storey buildings, connected on the south side.

The resulting u-shaped structure surrounds a once-open court, with a reinstated glass roof creating a full-height atrium beneath. Restored ironwork link bridges that connected the two main mills provide 12 apartments with balcony spaces.

Planning permission allowed the developer to extend the roof upwards to create several duplex penthouses.

Priestley Homes is marketing the site’s largest unit – The Penthouse at Conditioning House. The five-bedroom, corner plot is Bradford’s most expensive apartment and will launch for sale in the coming weeks.

Finished to the high specification, each apartment includes:

  • Integrated appliances and high-quality, matte grey, soft close units in the kitchens
  • Contemporary white porcelain and chrome fittings in the bathrooms and en-suites
  • Grey or oak laminated floors and carpet
  • Ceramic panel heaters

Original factory gates, internal doors and ornate stonework are among the many features the developer has retained.

The façade uses bespoke double-glazed, wooden windows to retain the heritage of the original building.

Nathan Priestley, founder and chief executive officer of Priestley Homes, said: “We acquired this unique building in 2016 and immediately saw the incredible potential in restoring 30 years of neglect.

“Transforming Conditioning house into Bradford’s most exclusive address has been our labour of love for more than four years. The result is stunning: this truly historic site is home to some of Bradford’s highest quality apartments.

“We believe Conditioning House is the standard for which residential development in Bradford should look like. The city is thriving, with growing inward investment boosting the local jobs market. Our time and effort in bringing one of its most iconic buildings back into use will only add to Bradford’s appeal as a desirable place to live.”

Conditioning House is at the heart of BD1, adjacent to Forster Square retail park and close to the £260m Broadway shopping centre. Forster Square railway station is less than 10 minutes’ walk, providing direct services to Leeds city centre in 25 minutes.

The Bradford Corporation built Conditioning House is 1900-02 through special Act of Parliament. As an iconic building in Bradford’s textile industry, around 70% of all UK-made wool passed through Conditioning House for testing.

Following the success of the main project, Priestley Homes has submitted plans to add an additional 14 homes in the lower ground-floor level of mill one. Construction will begin in Q3 2021, subject to planning approval.

Homes at Conditioning House are now on sale. Prices start from £99,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, between £125,000 – £160,000 for a top-end duplex penthouse. Prospective buyers of The Penthouse at Conditioning House are invited to enquire about price on application.

Visit the Priestley Homes website for more information on Conditioning House: https://priestleyhomes.co.uk/development/award-winning-development-conditioning-house/