News & Events
New Darley Mill Centre Opens Doors After 1.5 Million Makeover
20th March 2009 00:00:00
One of Yorkshire’s best known retail outlet businesses opens today following a significant programme of renovation.
More than £1.5 million has been spent upgrading and restoring the Darley Mill Centre, which, two decades ago pioneered factory shopping in the county.
Ross Leventhal, who acquired the Grade II Listed building complete with 27ft water wheel in early January, has spent the last three months restoring the building - both internally and externally - to provide visitors with an “experience beyond shopping”.
The Mill, which dates back to 1767, and is located near Menwith Hill, boasts:
· Three retail floors specialising in homes, gardens and gifts
· 60-seater licensed restaurant and tea rooms serving locally-sourced produce
· Restored 27ft diameter working water wheel which will generate the Mill’s electricity
· Extensive parking
· Wishing Well in aid of St Michael’s Hospice
It has also created 25 full and part-time jobs for the local area.
Ross, who is managing director of the highly-successful Harrogate-based Yorkshire Linen Company, said: “When the Darley Mill Centre opened two decades ago it quickly established itself as the number one factory outlet in Yorkshire.
“Then, shoppers and tourists alike travelled miles to visit it and shop. What we have done in 2009 is capture what made it so successful then and add a new, exciting dimension that has created what we believe to be an experience beyond shopping.
“Both my wife and I worked for the company that launched the Mill back in 1985 and I am delighted that, 24 years later, we are back here running it.
“The Mill’s re-opening is certainly causing a buzz of excitement in the area. The water wheel will be a real attraction, particularly when it begins generating the Mills electricity.”
Ross added: “We have some very ambitious plans for the Mills future, which include a garden centre and children’s petting farm.
“We are catering for more than shoppers because people will make a conscious decision to travel to us. We want them to stay as long as possible and be entertained during that period.”
Tomorrow former Emmerdale and Bad Girls Star, Claire King, will be at the Mill, meeting shoppers and helping raise money for its adopted charity, St Michael’s Hospice.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay £5 to have their photograph taken with Claire, who will then personally sign it, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Claire will be at the Mill from 10am until 2pm, with the St Michael’s photo session taking place between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
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