Bradford City Council has given the nod for the demolition of Saltaire’s old tax office, paving the way for its transformation into a residential area. Urban regeneration specialist, Artisan Real Estate, is set to spearhead the redevelopment of the 11-acre site located between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, adjacent to the Salts Mill world heritage site.

The former HMRC offices, which began operations in 1978, shut its doors in October 2021. Artisan presented its redevelopment proposal a year later. The ambitious Saltaire Riverside development project encompasses the construction of 289 new homes, over 5,000 sq ft of commercial office space tailored for flexible working, and a café overlooking a newly designed pocket park and piazza.

James Bulmer, Development Director for Leeds-based Artisan North, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to rejuvenate a riverside area that has been largely inaccessible to the public since the 1970s. The development aims to seamlessly integrate with the existing Saltaire landscape, offering sustainable family housing in an eco-friendly setting.

The project, which faced unique challenges due to its proximity to a UNESCO World Heritage site, underwent extensive design and architectural planning spanning over 18 months. This was supplemented by a comprehensive public consultation program, ensuring the project resonates with the historical essence of the Salts Mill location.

The existing seven-story HMRC building, comprising two hexagonal office blocks, is slated for demolition. Construction activities are anticipated to commence in early 2024. Artisan’s portfolio boasts notable projects like the New Waverley in Edinburgh’s Old Town and the transformation of Glasgow’s 19th-century Custom House into a hotel quarter.