Celebrating 35 Years

Towndoor's 35th Anniversary

March 2023

Towndoor's 35th Anniversary

We are immensely proud to be celebrating 35 years of business!

Towndoor Limited is a Holmfirth-based specialist in commercial property, which has been run by the Bamforth family for over 35 years. The company's inception was in April 1988, when Stuart and Lucy Bamforth acquired a significant portion of J.I. Case's Meltham Mills Factory. Interestingly, this was the same year that Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, became the longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century.

Although Stuart passed away in 2002 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 55, his legacy lives on through Towndoor. Today, we are one of West Yorkshire's leading businesses for commercial property lettings. This success can be attributed to the extensive experience of our team and the Bamforth family and their commitment to excellence and exceptional customer service.

With Stuart and Lucy's eldest son, Dan Bamforth, now at the helm as Managing Director, Towndoor continues to thrive and grow. The company's success is a testament to the family's unwavering dedication to providing high-quality commercial property solutions to businesses in the region.

Let’s take a look back at how our portfolio has grown over the years

Meltham Mills Industrial Estate

In 1988, Towndoor acquired a site that would become Meltham Mills Industrial Estate. Within just four years of Towndoor's inception, the site had been transformed into a bustling industrial estate, providing employment for over 400 individuals across 38 different companies.

In the years that followed, Towndoor continued to develop the site, transforming it into the modern and versatile Meltham Mills Industrial Estate that exists today. The estate offers a diverse range of commercial units, ranging from 300 to 35,000 square feet, catering to the needs of a wide variety of businesses.

Thanks to Towndoor's ongoing investment in the site and commitment to high-quality commercial property solutions, Meltham Mills Industrial Estate has become a thriving hub for businesses in the region. The estate's excellent location, modern amenities, security and high-quality services make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes and industries.

Meltham Mills Industrial Estate from 1960's to 2023
Concept House

The success in developing Meltham Mills Industrial Estate encouraged us to expand the business further. In 1989, we purchased a second site from Allied Breweries in Netherton, which was then named Crosland Road Industrial Estate. The site underwent quick and thorough renovations, and soon all of its units were fully let out to nine different companies, a testament to Towndoor's expertise in providing high-quality commercial property solutions. This site was eventually sold to fund other developments within our portfolio.

Following the success of Crosland Road Industrial Estate, we continued to grow the business by purchasing a third site, formerly known as 'S Block', from the Case Corporation in 1993. The site was subsequently renamed Concept House, and with 21,665 square feet of space, it now serves as a standalone warehouse.

Today, Concept House is home to Rosenbauer UK, a company that has been supplying and supporting British and Irish municipal, aviation, and industrial fire services with firefighting vehicles and equipment for over a decade.

Concept House from 2006 to 2023
Bent Ley Industrial Estate

In March 1999, Towndoor took a significant step forward by acquiring an area of land on Bent Ley Road in Meltham. The newly purchased site was adjacent to the waste management centre and had previously been used as a storage and scrap yard owned by Wells and Moorhouse. Towndoor's vision for the site was to create four new-build, high-specification industrial units, and over the course of the next nine years, the development of Bent Ley Industrial Estate took shape.

Thanks to Towndoor's unwavering commitment to providing top-quality commercial property solutions, the site quickly became fully let, and today it is home to a variety of successful businesses. Among the tenants at Bent Ley Industrial Estate are Harold Fisher Plastics, a company that specialises in the production of plastic packaging and containers, and Bewley's Tea & Coffee, a well-known name in the world of tea and coffee.

Towndoor's success in developing Bent Ley Industrial Estate is a testament to the company's expertise in providing flexible and tailored spaces that meet the needs of modern businesses.

Bent Ley Road circa 1950's to Bent Ley Industrial Estate 2023
Meltham Mills Reservoir

In 2013, Towndoor made a significant investment in the local community by taking ownership of Meltham Mills Reservoir. The previous owners of the reservoir were unable to meet the costs of the safety improvement works needed to bring the reservoir within the new guidelines set by the Environment Agency. This situation arose following a routine inspection and flood risk assessment of the reservoir in 2010 which found that it failed to meet stringent new measures.

As the primary undertaker of the reservoir, Towndoor took on the responsibility of ensuring its ongoing maintenance and safety, which included spending over three-quarters of a million pounds installing a new primary spillway. The investment was a reflection of our commitment to providing solutions that benefit both the local community and the businesses they serve.

In addition to providing local residents with stunning views and footpaths, Meltham Mills Reservoir has become a crucial source of firefighting water for Meltham Mills Industrial Estate. This important resource underscores the critical role that Towndoor Limited plays in supporting the local business community and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Overall, Towndoor's investment in Meltham Mills Reservoir is a shining example of our commitment to the environment, the community, and the businesses we serve.

Meltham Mills Reservoir circa 1900's to 2023
The Dyeworks

Towndoor's acquisition of a 1.2-acre site in Lockwood in 2015 was a significant milestone for the company. The site's location and size made it an ideal location for the development of a new commercial estate, no expense was spared. The investment of over £2 million was not only used to build the eight high-specification trade counter units but also to incorporate the latest technological advancements to ensure the site was energy efficient and secure.

The result of this investment was The Dyeworks, a modern commercial estate that boasts not only the latest features such as fibre optic broadband connections, solar PV, LED lighting and fully automated security gates but also high-quality amenities such as ample car parking space and attractive landscaping. This attention to detail has made the estate an attractive location for businesses of all sizes, and it is currently home to several big names in the industry, including Screwfix and Trade Part Specialists.

The development of The Dyeworks was carried out in two phases, with the first phase being completed in 2015 and the second phase being completed in 2016.

The Dyeworks from 2015 to 2023
Big Valley

In 2015, Towndoor acquired and developed a £1-million state-of-the-art children’s day nursery at Armitage Bridge, which was previously the site of the Big Valley Garage. The move came after the garage relocated to Meltham Mills Industrial Estate. The development of the nursery was a significant investment, and it showcases Towndoor's commitment to providing quality commercial property with a high level of attention to detail.

The construction process was completed in 2019, and the nursery boasts a contemporary and stylish design that is both welcoming and functional. The building is clad in treated timber and rendered in smooth grey, and it features floor-to-ceiling aluminium windows and doors that provide plenty of natural light. The nursery also boasts amenities such as two spacious outdoor play areas, disabled access lift, a solar PV system, and a dedicated parking and drop-off facility for parents. The overall design and amenities make the nursery a comfortable and safe space for children to learn and grow while providing parents with a convenient and accessible facility.

Big Valley from 2015 to 2023
Unit Q1 / Lu's Place Cafe

In 2020, Towndoor embarked on a new development project to revamp a disused portion of Meltham Mills Industrial Estate. The site, formerly known as The Business Park, had long been earmarked for development and after some years of planning and a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, Phase 1 finally commenced with the construction of Unit Q1.

The development process involved the demolition of old buildings at the Business Park, followed by around 14 months of construction work. To ensure structural stability, the site required extensive piling and the majority of 2021 was spent on site preparation and foundation building.

Q1 was built with a specific purpose in mind - to house Meltham Mills' very own café, Lu’s Place, which is run by Towndoor's sister company, Bamforth Leisure Limited. After the completion of the construction work in March 2022, Lu's Place opened its doors to the public and has since become a popular destination for local residents, businesses and visitors from further afield. With its modern design and welcoming atmosphere, Lu's Place has been a hit with guests who come to enjoy the delicious food and drinks on offer.

Business Park from 2014 to Lu's Place 2023
Today

Our commitment to exceptional service has earned us a strong reputation among our tenants and the local community. With a current team of 13 who are dedicated to continuing to provide the best service, Towndoor is well-equipped to meet the needs of businesses seeking quality, affordable commercial property solutions.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to making a positive impact. Our success over the past 35 years is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality commercial property solutions. With an eye to the future and a focus on excellence, Towndoor is poised to continue the legacy that Stuart created for many years to come.

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