New leaseholders share ambition to bring the 'heartbeat' back to treasured industrial heritage site in Leeds
“We want it to be one of the biggest attractions in Yorkshire”
A new chapter is set to begin for Thwaite Mills in Leeds as new leaseholders have shared their plans to restore and reopen the museum.
Couple Jenny Bryant and Chris Foster have taken over the historic 19-acre site under a 10-year lease which began last month, and they hope to “breathe new life” into the iconic mill in Stourton.
"This isn't just about reopening a building—it's about giving Thwaite Mills its heartbeat back,” Jenny said
“We want local families, schools, visitors and history lovers to enjoy this incredible place once again while ensuring it has a secure future for many years to come.”
Thwaite Mills is a Grade II industrial listed heritage site which originally opened as a textile fulling mill in 1641.
It was redeveloped in the 1820s and served a variety of industry purposes before ceasing commercial operations in 1975.
Owned by Leeds City Council, Thwaite Mills was operated as a museum for the public until it closed in 2024 due to financial pressures.
Now after recently taking on a 10-year lease from the mill’s private owner, Jenny and Chris hope to turn the site into a thriving heritage, education and community destination.
Chris Foster said: "This museum belongs to Yorkshire's story.
“We're passionate about protecting its heritage while creating a destination that's welcoming, exciting and financially sustainable. We hope the community will join us on this journey."
Ambitions include opening up the space to public admissions, guided tours, and events such as weddings and craft fairs.
The couple are particularly looking forward to opening Thwaite Mills up to paranormal tours where guests can hope to see “something spooky” at one of the most haunted mills in Britain.
Jenny fondly remembers visiting Thwaite Mills as a child and she hopes to reopen the mill so the next generation can learn about its past.
“The location is fantastic, it’s such a little gem,” Jenny said.
“It’s a big piece of history and a snapshot in time.”
Jenny and Chris have launched an online fundraiser to help raise the investment costs required to revive Thwaite Mills, as they hope to reopen the mill in mid-September.
Since taking over the lease, the pair have received strong support from the public who Jenny and Chris say are “excited” to see the museum reopen.
They are also inviting businesses, organisations and volunteers to get involved in the restoration project of Thwaite Mills, which was recently used as a filming location for Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance.
Jenny and Chris plan to use their passion for heritage and experience in restoration to protect and preserve Thwaite Mills for the future.
Jenny said: “So often these locations are left empty and they just fall apart.”
“It's a Grade II listed building but if it's left for long enough it's not going to last very long so we want to bring it back into the public so people can enjoy it again.”
“We want it to be one of the biggest attractions in Yorkshire or even the UK.”