Towndoor Limited

General information

Towndoor was initially founded by Stuart and Lucy Bamforth in 1988,the Bamforth Group’s dismantling division was first invited to Meltham to remove the assembly plant within Meltham Mills for J I Case Limited. This was to be the start of a unique relationship between the Case Corporation and The Bamforth Group.

50% of the factory was sold to the Bamforth Group in the name of Towndoor Limited. Within 4 years the whole of this huge site had been developed into an Industrial Estate which was fully occupied by 38 individual Companies providing 400 plus new jobs. The Estate being full, a need was established for further premises. A second site in Netherton was purchased from Allied Brewers to be known as Crosland Road Industrial Estate. The site was quickly renovated and fully let to 9 companies. A third site became available in 1993 owned again by the Case Corporation known as S Block, a deal was agreed and Case sold to Towndoor.

250,000 square feet of factory in Meltham was now left in Case ownership employing 165 staff. The Bamforth Group in the form of Towndoor Ltd made enquiries but following what seemed to be successful meetings with Case managers was initially turned down in preference of a third party. Case after making detailed enquiries as to the financial capability of the third party company again returned to Towndoor.

In March 1999, Towndoor purchased an area of land located at the end of Bent Ley road in Meltham. The land formerly owned by Wells and Moorhouse had been used as a storage and scrap yard for many years. This area of land was also once owned by J I Case and used as a tyre storage facility. This vast area of land is roughly four acres in total. Towndoor proceeded to submit planning for 4 new build units that were to be constructed over the course of 9 years, to be known as Bent Ley Industrial Estate. The site was completed in 2008 and fully let.

The practical and business needs of tenants is the first priority and is the reason for Towndoor’s continued growth and influence. This involves helping companies, large and small, to make the right decisions about the space in which they work. Agreeing the terms under which the property is occupied is a two-way process where Towndoor interprets and understands the needs of each concern.

Towndoor's emphasis on the refurbishment and conversion of redundant factories, making them suitable for the business requirements of today, has helped to improve the future for many companies, providing employment opportunities and the space for businesses to both relocate and expand.

The company has a keen interest in progressing further with new units in Leeds City center and surrounding areas of Leeds. The company now owns, warehousing, office space, storage units and even a reservoir which is located behind the Meltham Mills Industrial Estate. We have also developed a redundant site at Healey House and converted it into a new ultra modern apartment, and converted the roof space into an astro turf garden area with panoramic views across the valley.