A HISTORIC Keighley mill complex has been added to the English Heritage ‘at risk’ register.

Dalton Mills is included in the latest list despite massive ongoing restoration work to return the landmark site to its former glory.

English Heritage – statutory advisor for the government on the historic environment – says the mills’ inclusion in the register is recognition of its national significance and its condition in the wake of two fires, in 2011 and last year.

Craig McHugh, the body’s heritage-at-risk principal in Yorkshire, said: “Our textile heritage is woven through the landscape of West Yorkshire, whether it’s the great factories such as Dalton Mills, cloth trading markets like the First White Cloth Hall in Leeds or the many former textile workers’ cottages that give such character to many of our most picturesque towns and villages.

“We are always keen to work with owners and communities that share our belief that this inheritance needs to be passed on to future generations to enjoy and learn from. Dalton Mills is an important piece of Yorkshire’s architectural heritage and the future looks hopeful as its restoration continues.”

The building, whose listed status has been upgraded to Grade II* in the past year, was built by the Craven family and remained in its ownership from 1866 until 2004.

In its heyday of worsted yarn production, more than 2,000 people were employed at the site. Now, under the ownership of Paul Harris, extensive renovations have been carried out.

The Tower Mill part of the site is almost fully let as offices, and there are ambitious plans for the New Mill and Genappe Mill sections, including retail, leisure and museum facilities.

“The local reaction to the work we’ve done in the past year has been incredibly positive, and people can see things are happening again at Dalton Mills,” said Mr Harris.

“We are on track to have more commercial space ready to let next year and now, with the support of English Heritage too, we hope that ultimately we can restore the whole of the mill to its former glory and make it the cornerstone of the community that it once was.”

Other mill buildings locally on the register include Low Mills in Keighley and Waterloo at Silsden. Whinburn, Keighley and Haworth Parish Church are also among sites included.

Visit english-heritage.org.uk/risk for further information.