A former 1930s wool warehouse nestled on Cater Street in Bradford’s Little Germany has transformed into an in-demand filming location for major British television dramas and films, according to the Sekhon Group. Located near the city’s coroner’s court, the three-storey industrial building has spent the last 14 years serving as an undisturbed backdrop for period pieces and modern crime series alike, despite retaining its historic architectural features.
Industrial Roots Draw Major Period Dramas
According to Ray Brown, legal officer for property owner Sekhon Group, the location’s entry into the film industry happened entirely by chance when location scouts discovered the unmarked building. Production teams for the BBC drama Peaky Blinders selected the site because it fit the post-World War One era. In early episodes, the warehouse doubled as a boxing ring and as Tommy Shelby’s office—including a scene where Shelby hosts Alfie Solomons, played by Tom Hardy, for a meeting.
Bradford Council’s conservation assessments note that Little Germany incorporates the city’s grandest Victorian warehouses. That preserved historical architecture has since attracted productions beyond Peaky Blinders. According to property representatives, the building has hosted shoots for Downton Abbey, the long-running soap opera Emmerdale, Netflix’s Bodies starring Stephen Graham, and Sally Wainwright’s Gentleman Jack featuring Suranne Jones.
Recent Productions and Economic Impact
The warehouse most recently served as a police station for the 2025 crime thriller series Virdee, which was set in Bradford and released during the city’s year of culture. Inside the structure, physical traces of the television set remain visible alongside the original industrial framework. Brown notes that hosting film crews yields substantial financial benefits for the region, drawing production companies, catering crews, actors, and support entourages that generate millions of pounds for the local economy. Data from Screen Yorkshire indicates that the screen industries across Yorkshire and the Humber support approximately 12,000 jobs directly and indirectly, generating a turnover exceeding £1 billion.
Renewed Interest from Major Studios
Following a brief market downturn that prompted owners to list the building for let, location scouts from major studios including Disney and ITV have renewed their inquiries. Brown reports a sharp turnaround in interest over a single month, noting that ownership intends to keep utilizing the space for film production rather than pursuing commercial property conversion.
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