Winker Green Mills, Leeds
Winker Green Mills comprised a range of 19th century industrial buildings which once formed one of the leading woollen mill complexes in West Yorkshire. AOC were commissioned to undertake a programme of historic building recording prior to the conversion of some buildings into residential property and the demolition of others, as part of listed building consent.
The range of buildings included two large multi-storey mills, a counting, weighing and sizing house, weaving shed and burling shed, providing an exceptional insight into the operation of a 19th century woollen mill. The range of buildings were constructed between 1820 and 1890 with some later alterations as the buildings were adapted to the changing market and economy. Internally, many of the fixtures and fittings survived to a high degree. This was particularly true in the main multi-storey mill which contained two engine houses and evidence for power transmission from this mill to other detached buildings within the complex. The building also contained a willeying room (for removing the larger dirt particles from the wool) and a boiler house complete with flues, dampers and complete cast iron drying floors (for drying the wool) above.
The historic building recording involved the compilation of written descriptions, a full measured survey and a full photographic survey. The record provided a permanent record of each structure prior to any alteration taking place and will remain an important reminder of the 19th century woolen mill.