Velvet Mill was part of a fantastically robust complex of derelict weaving mills in a formerly deprived area of Bradford in the North of England but now a major focus of regeneration being led by developer Urban splash in conjunction with Bradford City Council and Yorkshire Forward. The most dramatic change was to give a new life to a building that had been neglected and unloved for almost 40 years. The handsome stonework was cleaned up and repaired. The window openings were retained but with new windows that respected the original design philosophy by minimising the intrusion of metal frames and maximising the penetration of daylight using the high floor to ceiling heights. David Morley Architects converted the Grade II listed mills into 190 apartments, including a new two storey roof top extension, community and commercial space at ground floor level.