Weeks ahead of the operational opening of Tileyard North phase one, which will see companies from as far afield as Singapore calling Wakefield home, phase two of the state-of-the-art creative hub is underway.
The project, forming part of the approved City Masterplan, is regenerating the Grade II-listed former Rutland Mills on the historic waterfront into the largest creative community outside of London, bringing together people across West Yorkshire working in industries such as music, film, television and design.
Wakefield Council approved a City Centre Masterplan earlier this year which sets out how the city centre will be transformed into a vibrant city for the future and an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.
The long-term plan aims to bring new opportunities for businesses and residents, open up access to culture and bring different uses and experiences into the heart of the district, including leisure and education facilities.
The development of Tileyard North reflects the vision for the city and will play a part in realising the ambitions of the city.
The waterfront project is being developed by regeneration specialists, CPPI, who along with the Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have funded the project. Phase one is due to begin opening in the coming weeks.
The first phase of this exciting development will include 25 music and creative studios, characterful office spaces, a much-needed large event space as well as public realm and leisure facilities.
Phase two, which is now officially underway, begins with the demolition of two buildings to make way for further creative industries office space as well as a boutique hotel.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This state-of-the-art creative hub will firmly put Wakefield on the map. It will have many benefits for jobs and investment.
“It will also bring people from all over the region to Wakefield for their entertainment, as well as supporting creativity and associated industries that will help to generate a vibrant atmosphere at our historic waterfront as we create a city ready for tomorrow.
“The Council has successfully put forward a very strong bid for Levelling Up funding, that has unlocked £8m for this project which will benefit our residents and businesses.”
The Tileyard North development is part of the Council’s wider regeneration plans to make Wakefield a place that is attractive to new investors and businesses which has the flexibility to adapt to changing consumer and business trends.
Paul Kempe, director of City and Provincial Properties (CPP), said: “We are delighted to announce that the first phase of the Tileyard North (previously known as Rutland Mills) is about to open its doors and will be home to a new vibrant creative community of the North. This fulfils a six-year vision to provide world class facilities to artists and creatives based in the north of England by regenerating a series of dilapidated mill buildings that had been vacant for over 25 years.
“Tileyard North apart from being a creative hub will also be open to the whole community and will include restaurants, bars event spaces hotel and a variety of other uses making it a true destination for people to visit to enjoy the various offerings and of course to socialise with friends and family. The facility is directly opposite The Hepworth Wakefield so will accommodate any visitors to the gallery.
“We believe this creative destination will be transformational for both Wakefield and the wider area and will provide a facility that does not currently exist within the area which is accessible to all. There will be a central courtyard and two large event spaces which will cater for up to thousand people and cater for a variety of different events including fairs, farmers market, music events and much more and we very much look forward to welcoming the whole community in the coming weeks.”
