Wakefield Phoenix Mills to be transformed after £625k grant

A former mill is to be redeveloped into what it is claimed could be one of the largest creative spaces outside London following a £625,000 grant.

The cash to regenerate Phoenix Mills at the Rutland Mills complex in Wakefield has been awarded by Historic England.

The Grade II-listed mill dates to about 1800 and was originally a grain store.

The money would be used to fund repairs to the building's roof, drainage and walls, as well as new windows, according to Historic England.

This would secure the structure of the building, the oldest of the mill buildings on the edge of the River Calder and Calder and Hebble Canal, enabling its redevelopment as part of a creative hub, a spokesperson added.

The complex as a whole would be a "mixed-use, creative and cultural cluster with state-of-the-art facilities", developers Tileyard North said.

Phoenix Mill, which later in the 19th Century became a corn mill and then a textile mill, would join that development after its restoration.

As part of the second phase of redevelopment, a second mill building would be demolished and a new building constructed in its place, Historic England said.

Music studios, offices, space for festivals and concerts, a hotel, gin distillery, restaurant and a bar had all so far been created at the site, according to the spokesperson.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive, said it was "wonderful to see that Phoenix Mill is now rising from the ashes".

The £625,000 award was welcomed by Wakefield Council, with councillor Michael Graham, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, adding that it supported the authority's work to regenerate the city's historic waterfront.

"We're investing alongside Historic England and City and Provincial Properties so that the former mill buildings can be transformed into vibrant spaces for creativity," he said,

"They will provide world class facilities to artists and creatives, based right across the north of England."

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