After graduating from Agricultural College, David Smith set up a business in 1962, designing and manufacturing poultry equipment. David went to the USA on a training course and travelled extensively to develop his business, including visits to New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. During this time he met the biggest turkey producer in the USA, who became his mentor and close friend.
David later formed another business in Leisure Activities. Managing the properties associated with the businesses became an important element in running the operations and he realised he would far prefer to sit in the landlord’s chair, rather than the tenant’s.
Towngate in Clifton, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, 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 the government were selling off non-essential activities, such as British Rail freehold properties. David purchased a number of these including Team Valley, Copley Hill (Leeds) and Bridgeman Street (Bolton). Towngate still owns these properties today.
Towngate purchased the freehold interest in the Mancentral Trading Estate. The 4.75 acre site included four industrial buildings, and in 1995, the group went on to purchase the head leasehold interest of 14 arches to the rear of the estate. During Towngate’s period of ownership, occupants on the site included Granada television, who filmed the award winning comedy series, ‘Cold Feet’ from their units on site. The site was sold for redevelopment in September 2003.
Robin Gallagher and Steve Nettleton joined the company.
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, 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 opened in 1882 and employed over 700 workers, eventually closing in 1984. The mills were damaged by fire in 1985 and part demolished in 1986. Two of the original buildings remain, Parkview House and Oak House.
HRH Prince of Wales visited 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.
Towngate Homes was formed to build premium residential properties in the Yorkshire area.
The Group purchased the former Lucozade Factory at Walkden, near Manchester. After a substantial refurbishment, the site was let and reported in the press at the time as the largest industrial letting of the year.
Towngate purchased the former Cadburys factory in Catterick, 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.
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. Towngate’s tenants at Widnes have included the BBC: they filmed the drama series ‘Merseybeat’ from the former Golden Wonder offices.
Towngate adapted to the increased competition and pressure in the commercial lettings market by forming a Marketing Department and launching the first Towngate website.
To celebrate 40 years in business the Directors took guests to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Commemorative staff group photographs were taken and a new Corporate brochure was produced. 10 years later the Company’s 50th year would be celebrated during the 2012 London Olympics.
Towngate purchased a 300,000 sq ft site at Cross Green Industrial Estate in Leeds. The property was later re-named ‘Towngate Link’ and includes four large industrial units, yards and development land. The site had benefited 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.
Towngate proudly celebrated 50 successful years! David Smith shown giving his celebratory speech. Darren Baker painted David’s portrait to commemorate this achievement, along with his 25 years support of the Prince’s Trust. Darren became a highly acclaimed artist with help from David and the Prince’s Trust, in 2011 he was given the honour of painting the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Towngate tenant Allied Glass expanded further into Towngate Link at Cross Green, Leeds, prior to the fire.
New tenant Parker International moved onto the Towngate Business Centre, Widnes.
New tenant Fibrestar Drums moved into refurbished unit at Newby Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport.
Office accommodation at Four High Court, prior to sale, underwent a large refurbishment.
Large marketing campaign commenced at Mill Dam Lane, Pontefract, prior to demolition.
New tenant DX Freight moved into Warehouse Three at Haigh Park Road, Stourton, Leeds.
Towngate celebrated with office tenant JNP & Partners, having remained as a Towngate tenant for 25 years.
Devastating fire at Towngate Link, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds.
Towngate sold Four High Court, The Calls, Leeds.
Millersdale Close, Euroway Trading Estate underwent a full refurbishment and was brought to the market.
Towngate celebrated England v Wales with colleagues, tenants and associates at The Brewery Tap, Leeds.
Towngate purchased Gelderd Cross, Gelderd Road, Leeds.
Towngate purchased property at Seedlee Road, Preston.
Towngate’s site at Haigh Park Road, Stourton, underwent a rebrand.
Allied Glass signed a 10 year deal on the newly branded Copperworks – our largest ever letting.
Plans drawn up and work commenced for Phase 1 of the new development at Cross Green, Leeds, following the fire. Official launch of Phase 1 took place in October 2018.
We became Leeds United Digital Partners.
The Towngate Charitable Committee was launched.
The then new Towngate website was launched.
Towngate HQ underwent a refurbishment.
Towngate Business Centre, Widnes, had a fantastic facelift.
Showcase launch for Phase 2 of the Towngate Link development, along with finished and pre-let Phase 1.
Towngate Business Centre, Widnes, was fully let.
Channel 4 ‘Born Famous’ was filmed at the Copperworks, Haigh Park Road, Stourton.
Chairman, David Smith, celebrated his 80th birthday.
Much loved friend and colleague, Stephen Guy, passed away.
John Wignall retired.
Towngate coped through lockdown – weekly virtual trips to the Isolation Arms!
Towngate sold Towngate Business Centre, Widnes.
Our 2022 family moving forwards.
The Jewel in our Crown. Project completed at Towngate Link, of Phases 1, 2 & 3.
Towngate applied for planning permission for new construction at the Towngate Business Centre, Walkden.
Goodbye to Brian Wills, much loved friend and colleague, who passed away in February.
Nick Yates & Robin Gallagher retired with fantastic cakes.
Towngate celebrated 60 years.
Celebrating 60 years during 2022/23, the Towngate Group released a special commemorative book, along with an update to our historical timeline, showcasing some of our key milestones, along with a special tribute to our Founder, David Smith, who passed away during 2023.
To enter the Towngate Christmas prize draw – email Lucy here.
