22/09/2026
Bevan Brittan has advised Thirty-Six Leeds Limited on its acquisition of the historic Thwaite Mills site in Leeds from Odsal Properties.
Situated on the banks of the River Aire, Thwaite Mills is one of the UK's best-preserved industrial heritage sites. The historic water-powered mill complex was built between 1823 and 1825 and comprises six Grade II listed buildings across a 19-acre riverside estate.
The site, which operated as a museum until April 2024, has played an important role in preserving Yorkshire's industrial heritage and was recently used as a filming location for the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's novel A Woman of Substance.
Thirty-Six Leeds Limited has acquired the site with plans to bring the landmark destination back into active use. Early ideas being explored include reopening the museum, finding a new use for the former manager’s house and holding markets, community activities and live events.
Potential longer-term uses could also include weddings and private events, helping to support the future care and maintenance of the historic site.
Bevan Brittan provided legal support to Thirty-Six Leeds Limited throughout the transaction, helping to navigate the complexities associated with acquiring a significant heritage asset with substantial redevelopment and regeneration potential.
Lyndon Campbell, Partner at Bevan Brittan, commented: "We are delighted to have supported Thirty-Six Leeds Limited on the acquisition of such an iconic Leeds landmark.
“Thwaite Mills is a unique heritage asset with significant cultural, historical and community value. This transaction represents an exciting opportunity to preserve the site's rich industrial legacy while creating a sustainable destination that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come. We look forward to seeing the vision for the site take shape in the years ahead.”
Terry George from Thirty-Six Leeds Limited, added: “Thwaite Mills is an extraordinary part of Leeds’s history, and we feel privileged to be taking responsibility for its future. Our aim is simple: to bring Thwaite Mills back to life and protect it for future generations.
"We’ve worked with Bevan Brittan for over a decade and what I personally value is how responsive and personable they are, we’ve built up a relationship where we genuinely trust their judgement. What also continues to impress us is the breadth of expertise within the firm; whatever the issue, there always seems to be someone who specialises in exactly that area. For us, they’ve become a real one-stop shop for legal advice."
