After graduating from Agricultural College, David Smith set up a business in 1962, designing and manufacturing poultry equipment. He travelled extensively throughout the USA to develop his business. David later formed another business in Leisure Activities. Having managed the properties associated with these businesses, David realised he quite enjoyed sitting in the landlords chair. 

Towngate in Clifton, Brighouse, is David’s place of birth and became the name for his business. David sold his two original companies and used the proceeds to invest in commercial property. At the time David purchased several non-essential activities being sold off by the government, such as British Rail freehold properties. Towngate still owns these properties today.

In 1984 Towngate purchased the freehold interest in Mancentral Trading Estate and later, the group went on to purchase the head leasehold interests to the rear of the estate. During Towngate’s period of ownership, Granada television occupied some of these units and filmed the comedy drama series, ‘Cold Feet’. The site was sold for redevelopment in September 2003.

Robin Gallagher and Steve Nettleton joined the company and played key roles in Towngate’s continued growth. At this time, Towngate took the decision to purchase the site of the former Woodvale Silk Mill in Brighouse. The construction of Woodvale House, Towngate’s present day headquarters at Woodvale Office Park, was also commissioned during this year.

The company commenced the formation of Woodvale Office Park, which included the remaining original Woodvale Silk Mill buildings. The Mills occupied five acres and they first opened in 1882 and employed over 700 workers, eventually closing in 1984. Two of the original buildings remain and have been fully refurbished by Towngate- Parkview House and Oak House.

In 1991, HRH Prince of Wales, now King Charles, visited our site on the 12th June when Woodvale Office Park was nominated for a Brighouse Civic Trust Award. This is commemorated by the blue plaque that can be seen on the wall at Parkview House. David was proud to welcome his family to the business at this time, with his son Robert joining this year and his older son Alan, joining a year later.

In 1995 Towngate Homes was formed to build premium residential properties in the Yorkshire area. The Group also purchased the former Lucozade Factory at Walkden, near Manchester – strategically placed in the North West. After a substantial refurbishment project was undertaken, the site was let and reported in the press at the time as the largest industrial letting of the year.

Towngate made the purchase of the former Cadburys factory in Catterick, next to the A1 in North Yorkshire. The facility, which comprised 6 bays, measuring 28,000 sq ft each, had previously been utilised to manufacture Cadburys’ famous instant mashed Potato: ’Smash’. The property was sold in 2004 and due to its prominent location remains an industrial distribution centre today.

The former Golden Wonder Crisp Factory based in Widnes, was purchased by the Group. The entire site was refurbished to create modern industrial units and yards and the BBC filmed the drama series ’Merseybeat’ at this site. Towngate also adapted to the increased competition and pressure in the commercial lettings market by launching their first Towngate website at this time.

To celebrate 40 years in business the Directors took guests to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Towngate purchased a 300,000 sq ft site at Cross Green Industrial Estate in Leeds which was later re-named ‘Towngate Link’. The site had benefitted from the construction of the East Leeds Link Road, making it a strategic investment for the Group.

Steve Forrest, Towngate’s Finance Director, successfully refinanced a £42m facility with Santander and Nationwide Building Society, to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the industrial property market. This allowed the Group to move forward with planned redevelopment projects and gave an opportunity for further property purchases within our portfolio. 

Towngate proudly celebrated 50 successful years! Highly acclaimed artist and friend of David’s, Darren Baker painted his portrait to commemorate this achievement, who in 2011 had also painted the Queen. Towngate’s tenant Allied Glass expanded further into Towngate Link at Cross Green, Leeds, and new tenant Parker International moved onto the Towngate Business Centre, Widnes.

Towngate’s marketing department commenced a large campaign at Mill Dam Lane, Pontefract, to ascertain what appetite was out there for industrial property in the area. A later decision was taken to demolish and apply for residential planning at this site. New tenant DX Freight also moved into Warehouse Three at Haigh Park Road, Stourton, Leeds, where they remain to this day. 

Whilst Towngate celebrated 25 years of working with and accommodating office tenant J N P & Partners, a devastating fire took hold at one of our sites in West Yorkshire, at Towngate Link, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds. Towngate sold four High Court, The Calls, Leeds while Millersdale Close on Euroway Trading Estate underwent a full refurbishment and was brought to the market.

Over this 2 year period, Towngate purchased Gelderd Cross in Leeds as well as property at Seedlee Road, Preston. We also rebranded the Copperworks site at Haigh Park Road in Leeds where tenant, Allied Glass signed a 10 year deal – recorded as our largest ever letting. Plans were drawn up and work commenced for Phase 1 of the new development at Cross Green, Leeds, following the fire.

Towngate became Leeds United Digital Partners and The Towngate Charitable Committee was formed to support local businesses and charities who make a difference to our community. Towngate launched a new website and our headquarter premises underwent an extensive refurbishment, whilst we also made enhancements to Towngate Business Centre in Widnes.

Phase 1 of the new Towngate Link development was finished and pre-let, Phase 2 was then launched. Towngate Business Centre, Widnes was fully let and Channel 4’s ‘Born Famous’ was filmed at the Copperworks site in Leeds. Our Founder and Chairman, David Smith, celebrated his 80th Birthday. Much loved friend and colleague, Stephen Guy, passes away and John Wignall retired.

Towngate Business Centre, Widnes is sold and all 3 phases of the Towngate Link development project is completed. Towngate applies for planning permission for a new construction at Towngate Business Centre, Walkden. Goodbye to Brian Wills, friend & colleague, who passed away. Farewelll to Nick Yates & Robin Gallagher who retire. TOWNGATE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS!

We Celebrate 60 Years of Property, Growth, Investment…. and of working with some of the best people in our industry. Thanks to everyone who has been part of our story so far, here’s to the next 60 years!