Work accelerates to build creative hub at waterfront

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 creative hub is now underway.

The project, 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.

It will bring 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 this location will be transformed.

Tileyard North 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 will include 25 music and creative studios, office spaces, a 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 hotel.

Councillor 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.”

Paul Kempe, director of City and Provincial Properties (CPP), said: “We’re pleased to announce the first phase of 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.

“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.”