Wakefield’s £20 million regeneration
£20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will support two important new developments in the heart of Wakefield.
These projects will:
- renovate and repurpose the former British Home Stores (BHS) site
- deliver the second phase of the ‘Tileyard North’ creative industries hub at Rutland Mills
Derelict area to become new museum and library
Funding will transform the derelict former BHS site. This will help to continue the good progress made in regenerating the city centre with the addition of a new high quality cultural destination.
The site will become a new city museum and library that will:
- complement nearby Town Deal projects as part of delivering the ambitious Masterplan for Wakefield City Centre
- increase a sense of pride in place for residents and boost city centre footfall by attracting local and wider visitors
Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said:
It is incredibly good news that we have the go ahead for the transformation of BHS and for the final phase of the Tileyard North development. We want to provide the services that people need and the job opportunities that this district deserves.
This investment will have a really positive impact on the city centre, providing more reasons for residents and visitors to come to our high street.
Repurposing Rutland Mills for creative businesses
The historic Rutland Mills waterfront complex has stood derelict for decades. Funding will refurbish and renovate the remaining mill buildings as part of delivering phase two of ‘Tileyard North’, a 135,000 sq ft hub for creative industries to flourish.
The investment marks the final piece in the jigsaw of the award-winning Wakefield Waterfront regeneration scheme. Along with the Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery, funding will cement this area as a distinctive cultural quarter for residents and visitors to be proud of.
The wider development will provide:
- a unique events space inside the glass-roofed mill
- commercial offices
- a large courtyard
- a boutique hotel
This development supports Wakefield’s regeneration ambitions by:
- capitalising on its emerging strengths in cultural and creative industries
- supporting a higher value employment base
- attracting good quality jobs
Learn more about regeneration in Wakefield
Kevin Trickett OBE and Chair of Wakefield Civic Society, said:
The new city library and museum project will re-purpose a former 1930s art deco building, creating a much needed new public facility and boost to the city’s high street at a crucial time after years of austerity and the recent pandemic.
The funding supports Wakefield to harness its potential as a regional centre for cultural and creative industries and to attract higher value jobs.
Find out more about levelling up.