| Description | Melbourne Works was constructed as a small town centre textile manufactory in the late 19th century. It is stone built and of 4 storeys. The works were identified by the RCHME as part of their Yorkshire Textile Mills Survey as a code B site (see Giles, and Goodall, 1992 p.235) and the building was not recorded in any detail.
In May 2010 the mill was inspected by David Hunter (Industrial Archaeologist WYAAS). The building was currently in use by 'Shorties' a clothing manufacturer but is due to close and the mill is to be redeveloped. The mill is 20 bays long, and is of 3 storeys with a continuously glazed top or attic storey, which also appears to be original as the eaves are slightly corbelled out on the north and south facades. No obvious sign of an engine or power transmission noted. Despite the building's current use for clothes manuafcture, the ground floor remains vacant; it's floor is a mix of stone and concrete with one area of wooden floor boards suggesting perhaps a cellar may be located there. Upper floors are wood on wooden beams supported by central line of cast iron columns and bolting plates. Attic storey is glazed on north and south sides, and has a timber, queen post, roof with cast iron 'knees' or spandrels. In use as a number of artists' studios. A small chimney is located in the north east corner, but probably served offices rather than an engine. The eastern end of the mill also houses the main staircase and toilet block and has an electric hoist. The ground floor is terraced into the hillside; at street level to the west, floor at greater height than street to the east. Gables have kneelers and coping; those fronting Melbourne Street have recessed pointing, whilst at the rear strap pointing. |