Success for KT Hydraulics aids Halifax Urban Regeneration. . ........7BACK ____________________________________________________________________________________

The success experienced by Halifax based hydraulic systems specialist KT Hydraulics over the last few years in the offshore oil and marine industries is now responsible for breathing new life into historic buildings on the edge of Halifax town centre.

Success was beginning to cause problems for KTH as it had almost outgrown its premises on Union Street and was on the verge of leaving the town in search of additional space. At the eleventh hour however, by happy coincidence, a neighbouring property came available along with suitable financial aid from a local urban regeneration scheme. This turn of events has now secured the long-term future for KT Hydraulics in Halifax and brought additional jobs to the town.

Managing director Paul Firth takes up the story: “Our existing workshops in Hope Hall Mill had reached bursting point and we were working on an increasing number of contracts for hydraulic control systems that required assembling on our premises and shipping to site ready to work. Some of these units can be the size of a small car, so we had been on the lookout for additional space to use for assembly and testing for some time.

When we discovered that the adjoining property, Burton Buildings, was available, we jumped at the chance; even though much of the property was in a poor condition, having been empty or used mainly for storage over the last 10 years or so. We had to do a lot of work to bring the building up to our requirements, including re-roofing, new windows, heating and electrics.

We were particularly pleased with the help we received from the Action Halifax Urban Regeneration Project. With the assistance of Sheena Campbell at Calderdale Council we were able to secure funding to assist in our redevelopment of the building. This financial assistance has enabled us to refurbish the windows and roof in a manner true to the original 19th century design of the property, helping to preserve the external character and appearance of the building, even though 21st century products are being manufactured inside.

The new facilities have also provided two new jobs within our company as we now have the floorspace to work on multiple, simultaneous projects. The extra space will allow us to improve productivity and reduce turnaround time on contracts, which in turn will hopefully help us to win more work.”

Burton Buildings was built in 1883 and has seen a number of uses over the last 120 years. The property has been home to a boot and shoe maker, a brewer and bottler, the Coop Funeral service and even a place of worship under the Catholic Apostolic Church. Now, thanks to the business success of KT Hydraulics and the assistance of the Action Halifax Urban Regeneration Project, Burton Buildings has received a new lease of life that will hopefully see the property continue to serve the local economy for many years to come.

Action Halifax is a regeneration partnership dedicated to working with local people and organisations to make social, economic and environmental improvements within the Halifax Town Centre and surrounding communities. In conjunction with Calderdale Council, the Urban Regeneration Project is providing advice and grant aid to stimulate the revitalisation of Halifax Town Centre including repairs to historic buildings, adaptations to underused property and general improvements to the environment.