Rutland Mills: Derelict complex in Wakefield set to be transformed into 'Battersea Power Station of the North'

A disused mill is being transformed into the “Battersea Power Station of the North” as part of a strategy to encourage more creative companies to establish a base in Yorkshire.
By Greg Wright
Published 23rd Aug 2023, 08:17 BST

The Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, which is part of the Henley Group, is restoring the brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. The restoration project aims to transform the derelict building into a creative hub, called Tileyard North. The building, which stands close to the Hepworth Gallery, has been derelict for 20 years.

A spokesman said: “Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, has been appointed to oversee the restoration required to return the Grade II listed building to its former glory, honouring its original fabric and the region’s industrial heritage. The extensive work includes complete façade restoration, structural alterations and strengthening, as well as repairs to the existing building. Alongside Furness Brick & Tile Co Ltd and HSRR, Henley Group has identified replacement brick and mortar samples that match sensitively to the existing 19th century brickwork.

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Tom Cardoe, Head of Restoration at Henley Group, commented: “We’re proud to bring decades of restoration and remedial expertise to the regeneration of Rutland Mill, a landmark project which will significantly enhance the local economy. It will be The Battersea Power Station of the North.

Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. (Photo supplied by Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd,)Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. (Photo supplied by Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd,)
Yorkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. (Photo supplied by Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd,)

“By carefully repairing and restoring the building’s fabric, we will bring this historical site back to its former glory and breathe life back into this once forgotten part of Wakefield. Regeneration projects bring immediate benefits to the local area and these are the kind of projects we pride ourselves on.”

Led by developers City & Principal, Stainforth Construction, architects Hawkins Brown and project manager, Opera, the site will become a cultural hub with facilities for music and digital studios, start-ups, creatives, and the local community. The scheme will also create educational space, a hotel, food and drink and facilities complementary to the Hepworth Gallery.

Adam Standeven, Contracts Manager at Stainforth Construction, said: ‘It’s great to work in collaboration with a local Wakefield restoration company.”

Rutland Mills is the final stage of a 10-acre regeneration plan that is revamping Wakefield’s riverside.

Related topics:WakefieldYorkshireBattersea Power StationNorth