Burton factory scheme to include fashion archive

The Burton factory in Burmantofts, Leeds, was built in 1922

A men's fashion archive could be created as part of plans to build 500 homes on the site of an historic clothes factory.

Developer Avant Homes wants to redevelop the former Burton's factory in Leeds, which once produced more than 30,000 suits a week.

Director of Leeds Civic Trust Martin Hamilton said while there were small archives across the city, the development presented was an "opportunity to bring them all together."

Avant Homes confirmed a "memorabilia archive" would be included on the site if the plans go ahead.

Mr Hamilton said the archives were split between the Hudson Road site, the city museum, the West Yorkshire Archive Service and the personal collection of the Trust's Jeremy Burton.

At one time, the Burmantofts factory was the biggest clothing factory in the world.

Mr Hamilton said he was keen to see many of the original features – such as the signage – kept and restored.

Avant Homes said they supported the Trust's aims to maintain the site's heritage.

A spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the importance of the social heritage associated with the former Burton’s factory site.

“The plans for our proposed development reflect this, with the social heritage maintained across the site.

“This includes refurbishing and reusing some of the existing buildings, as well as retaining other historic features across the site, such as the factory signage.

"The proposed development’s road names will also relate to its former use.

“Our plans include creating a new memorabilia archive for Burton at the site, which will be available for public viewing to ensure its heritage continues to be celebrated.”

Burton's history

Burton was founded by Lithuanian immigrant Montague Burton and the factory began producing men’s suits in 1922.

The company provided a range of services for workers on site including dental care, opticians and physiotherapy, as well as football and rugby pitches, a boxing gym and an amateur dramatics society.

By the late 1950s the workforce declined from about 10,000 to 5,000 and manufacturing stopped in the 1970s.

In 2002, Philip Green bought the company creating the Arcadia Group – which also included Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.

In 2021, the group went into administration.

Avant bought the site in 2022 and about 20% of the factory buildings are currently in use.

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