Dean Clough Reports Strong Growth in Occupancy and Footfall for 2025/26
Dean Clough, a 22-acre historic estate in Halifax, has announced impressive occupancy rates and a significant increase in visitor numbers for the fiscal year ending 2025/26. The estate, which boasts over 600,000 sq ft of commercial space, is nearing 70% occupancy and expects to reach approximately 80% within the next year, thanks to several pending deals.
Last year, Dean Clough successfully closed transactions for over 46,000 sq ft, with an additional 60,000 sq ft currently under negotiation. New tenants include NHS Community Services, Appleyard Lees, EMS, and Can Can Productions, alongside various retail, leisure, and wellbeing providers. The recent opening of a co-working space has also led to several smaller agreements.
The utilisation of Dean Clough’s 1,300-space car park has seen substantial growth, reflecting a strong ‘return to work’ trend among businesses. Car park usage has surged by 37% over the past year, primarily driven by daily commuters and leisure visitors, with average weekday occupancy now at 70%.
Once the largest carpet manufacturer globally, Dean Clough features 16 Victorian mill buildings that stretch half a mile, complemented by high-quality public spaces, amenities, and ample parking, including high-speed EV chargers. Over the past forty years, the estate has transformed into a vibrant hub for business, leisure, retail, and culture, currently housing over 150 businesses and employing more than 3,500 people. Notable occupiers include Covea Insurance, Calderdale College, Prestige Gifting, and Activate Group.
Dean Clough’s workspace offerings are bolstered by on-site amenities and wellbeing facilities. It is also recognised as a cultural destination, featuring extensive event spaces, an engaging public realm, a subterranean theatre, and six public art galleries, attracting numerous visitors.
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director at Dean Clough Ltd, stated, “We are delighted to report increased activity at Dean Clough which has enjoyed a fantastic year of new occupation, footfall and general on-site activity. With more employers supporting workplace returns there has been a notable shift in priorities for sustainability and wellbeing, areas where Dean Clough really stands out.”
Hall added, “The buildings offer sustainable, energy-efficient spaces within a vibrant, creative community and historic setting. Together, these features make Dean Clough a unique and thriving work-leisure destination and we are proud to have an incredible retention track record.”
Through a continuous investment programme in refurbishment, Dean Clough is committed to providing new space opportunities for occupiers, ranging from one-person offices to 50,000 sq ft of Grade A space with floorplates of up to 12,000 sq ft.
Situated on the edge of Halifax town centre, Dean Clough is conveniently located between Leeds and Manchester, just 15 minutes from the M62 and with direct train links to Leeds, Manchester, York, and London.
