In 1815, a steam powered worsted mill was built on this site – but it no longer survives. The building in these pictures dates back to 1870 and was designed by Milnes & France – who also designed the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

At one point in its history, there would have been 400 people working here, although there were considerably less people here when it finally closed in the 1990s.

There have been two fires here since it closed; one of which, in 2007, took the roof off. You can see the fire damage in the pictures.

Like every other derelict industrial building in the city, there have been plans floated to turn it into a block of flats… I’d call this idea ambitious at best. Barkerend is far from the aspirational address the developer seems to seek.

If you want to see some photos from inside, pop over to this site – I didn’t venture in myself as I was on my way to the shops…

… and also because, like every other derelict industrial building in the city, it’s a bit of a flophouse for some real charming characters who I’ve seen wobbling in and out of here at all hours of the day.

I have enough encounters with unstable gentlemen of no fixed address in my own building, thank you very much.

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Part of my Bradford Doors Project