Dean Clough is an arts, business, design and education complex created by Sir Ernest Hall and his son Jeremy out af the derelict site that was once one of the world's largest carpet mills.

A spinning mill has existed at Dean Clough since at least 1802. John Crossley & Sons became a force in the region by making carpets, at its height it employed over 5,000 people but by 1982 the factory was closed. In 1983 Ernest Hall bought the site and attracted large businesses to make their homes there.

Dean Clough has combined commerce with the arts and education. There are eight galleries, a theatre, various charities, theatre companies, arts, music and media groups.