Rowntree Wharf
Apartments
Background
Rowntree Wharf in York is a striking example of traditional industrial architecture. Consisting of five stories and a nine-storey water tower, it is often regarded as York’s finest industrial building. Originally established as one of the largest flour mills in Europe by Henry Leetham in 1860, the site was designed by Walter Penty and strategically positioned between the River Foss and Wormald’s Cut.
The wharf played a key role in York’s history, receiving grain by barge until the mill closed in 1930. It later became Rowntree & Co’s Navigation Warehouse in 1935, handling cocoa beans until the 1960s. After falling out of use with the shift from river to road transport, the building was converted into flats and offices in 1989 by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Solution
Given its unique location and layout, iMist™ was tasked with installing a water mist fire suppression system across all the residential flats. One residential pump was used to supply the entire system, ensuring comprehensive fire protection while respecting the heritage character of this landmark building.
