Blog | Wakefield Civic Society

Work to start on next phase at Wakefield's Waterfront

Posted on 4 March 2016 02:25 PM by

Wakefield could become the 'creative hub' of the North as over 100,000 sq. ft. of derelict buildings are set to be transformed in a landmark deal, which will see the City's historic Waterfront regeneration project finally completed.

Wakefield Council has agreed the sale of the Rutland Mills site to property developers, City & Provincial Properties PLC. The developer is responsible for Tileyard Studios, a creative media hub based in central London and plans to create a 'northern extension' of this significant cultural brand.

Rutland Mills is adjacent to the site of The Hepworth Wakefield, the City's internationally acclaimed art gallery. The planned redevelopment is the final stage of a regeneration master plan that will give 10 acres of Wakefield's historic riverside a new lease of life and see it become a significant cultural destination in the North of England.

The Leader of Wakefield Council, Cllr Peter Box CBE, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to build on the international cultural reputation of The Hepworth.

(Source: Wakefield Council website)

This is very welcome news for Wakefield. The Society has long supported the concept of the city making much more use of the waterfront area along the banks of the River Calder.

How to Build the Homes People Want: The Work of Create Streets Nicholas Boys Smith, Director

Posted on 4 March 2016 01:09 PM by

Join us on 17th March for a talk by Nicholas Boys Smith, founding director of Create Streets, to discover how this London-based organisation is campaigning for a different approach to the planning and design of new homes in and around our city centres. The talk will start at 7.30 pm and will be held at Wakefield Town Hall on Wood Street, Wakefield.

Tickets can be purchased on line or by post. Depending on availability, it may also be possible to buy tickets on the door on the night.