How a Huddersfield business centre trading since 1541 is planning for the next generation 

A business centre in Armitage Bridge that has been trading since 1541 is looking to the future, with a full book of tenants and new sustainable travel facilities on the way. 

Brooke’s Mill, run by John Brooke and Sons Ltd, is now home to more than 40 small and medium-sized businesses covering everything from finance to healthcare, media and design. The site also houses working film and TV studios and has featured as a location in hit series including Peaky Blinders, Where the Heart is and Happy Valley. 

From textile production to business centre

The site began life as a textile mill in the 16th century and was one of many West Yorkshire mills that shaped the local economy for generations. When the UK textile industry declined in the 1980s, John Brooke and Sons reinvented the site as a modern business centre, and it has grown into one of the most varied small-business hubs in Kirklees. 

Supporting a thriving business community

Today, Estate Manager James Bailey oversees a community of more than 200 people working on site across the 40 plus tenant businesses. 

When one tenant relocated within the estate to a new purpose-built unit, James was left with empty space to fill. At the same time, he was looking at ways to bring extra value to existing tenants, particularly around greener, more sustainable travel options for commuters travelling to what is a semi-rural location.

Finding the right support

James was connected to Mark Gill, an Account Manager with Business Kirklees. Mark made introductions to other managed office spaces in the area, including the council, HQ and the Media Centre, opening up a referral network for tenant enquiries. He then identified the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Active Travel grant as a route to funding sustainable travel infrastructure and supported James with the application. 

Occupancy at Brooke’s Mill has risen from 92% to 95.3% in the last 18 months, with additional enquiries still coming in. James has also been able to refer opportunities to the other business centres he is now connected with. The Active Travel grant was awarded in January 2026. Over the coming months, Brooke’s Mill will be installing new secure bicycle storage and EV bike charging points for tenants and visitors. 

James Bailey said:

“Because of Mark’s assistance I feel better connected to other centres and it has helped to raise the profile of Brooke’s Mill, which in turn has led to us increasing our overall occupancy. His knowledge and help with the grant process was crucial in helping us to obtain the Active Travel grant.” 

He added that Business Kirklees is “a brilliant resource to have for 40 plus businesses here at Brooke’s Mill, most of which are on the growth trajectory.”