Dean Clough to host production for third series of hit TV show

Dean Clough, the 22-acre mixed-use destination in Halifax, has been selected for the second time as the main production base for hit TV show High Hoops.

The award-winning comedy, which stars Peep Show’s Robert Webb and Isy Suttie, previously utilised the Dean Clough mill complex as a base for operations for the second series.

Independent production company, Can Can Productions has secured a temporary lease for 5,000 sq ft of space for storage, costumes and set production with filming due to commence next month.

Thea Burrows, head of production at Can Can Productions, said, “We are thrilled to start filming a third series for High Hoops which has been hugely successful. Dean Clough provides an ideal base for production since our set film locations, such as Calderdale College, are so close by.

“The team at Dean Clough are extremely accommodating and flexible to our ever-changing production requirements, with 24-hour accessibility and a secure compound for our vehicles.”

Halifax is rapidly emerging as a significant centre for international film and television production, drawing major companies such as the BBC, Netflix, and Disney Plus to produce and film various projects. Dean Clough, in particular, has served as a filming location for well-known productions including Happy Valley, Ackley Bridge, and Secret Invasion, and has also featured as a backdrop for numerous presenting programmes.

Dean Clough is well known for its cultural contributions, featuring a distinctive underground theatre and one of the largest private art galleries in the UK. The Viaduct Theatre hosts Northern Broadsides, a celebrated resident company whose diverse touring schedule includes Shakespearean works, adaptations of classic plays, and fresh scripts delivered in a northern style, attracting a devoted audience.

It is also a prominent hub for creative industries, serving as home to Calderdale College’s digital creative skills centre, which offers state-of-the-art facilities for studies in film and TV production, design and editing, esports, and games design. Additionally, Dean Clough houses the UK's largest collection of historic cinema projection equipment in its basement.

Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director of Dean Clough, added, “We are delighted to have Can Can Productions and the High Hoops cast join us again at Dean Clough. We love working with them! It adds additional vibrancy and excitement to the community here requiring a quick-fire plan to deliver their filming location as it progresses!

“Dean Clough offers a lively and diverse range of amenities that, together with its cultural attractions, creates a truly unique environment. You’ll find excellent cafes, bars, restaurants, and fitness, wellbeing, beauty, therapy, and retail services alongside six public art galleries, a subterranean theatre, art studios, and event venues—all within welcoming public spaces and plenty of onsite parking.”

Dean Clough, recipient of the prestigious ‘Development of the Year’ award at the 2024 Placemaking Awards, stands out as one of Yorkshire’s largest and most influential centres dedicated to the business of arts and culture. The site actively supports commercial enterprise, educational practices, public engagement, and innovation across a wide array of disciplines.

Within the historic mills, the Arts Charity at Dean Clough (ACDC) plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusive arts, business, and education programmes. ACDC’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement was recognised with its own Placemaking award, underlining its contribution to the local and regional arts landscape.

Dean Clough is the workplace for approximately 150 organisations, collectively employing more than 3,500 people. The site accommodates major occupiers such as Covea Insurance, Activate Group, Chadwick Lawrence, Calderdale College, Ramsdens Solicitors, and Prestige Gifting, with several having established their headquarters within the complex. In addition to extensive floor plates suitable for large-scale operations, Dean Clough has invested in flexible spaces designed for small enterprises, offering tailored solutions to meet a diverse range of business needs.

The site continues to evolve through a sustained programme of refurbishment, consistently introducing new space opportunities for current and prospective occupiers. Options range from individual offices suitable for a single person, through to expansive Grade A spaces up to 55,000 sq ft, including floor plates of 21,000 sq ft, ensuring that Dean Clough remains adaptable to the needs of both small businesses and larger organisations.