Rutland Mills:

Tileyard North

Upgrading four Grade II listed former mill buildings from a state of dereliction to being structurally stable buildings ready to host a stunning new creative industries community.

KEY POINTS:

THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Historic, listed buildings
Upgrading structural stability
Buildings were in a state of disrepair
End result is a spectacular new creative community

The problem

Rutland Mills had been in a state of dereliction for 20 years. During this period, the condition of the Grade II Listed buildings had significantly deteriorated, leaving many in a state of disrepair.

Sewell Construction was appointed, through competitive tender, to upgrade the structural stability of four buildings, of up to four storeys each, that were identified as needing urgent attention.

THE VISION

The vision for Rutland Mills – now known as Tileyard North – was to create a rich mixed-use, inclusive, creative, and cultural cluster, with a programme that includes artists, designers and musicians; digital and tech industries; artisan craft and makers; studios and commercial space; retail; restaurant and hotel offers; event and gallery space; and provision for education.

This vision also seeks to deliver a significant offer of new public realm including a new central courtyard and a route through the site to the River Calder and riverside pier. This project aims to become a significant cultural destination for the North of England.

"The North is going to be one of the biggest centres for growth and culture as we move forward, and exciting developments like this in Wakefield will help incubate our talented creatives and show our potential to the world."

Tracey Babin MP

The solution

The following works had to be completed across all four buildings:

Surveys and exploration works
Full clean and decontamination of the building, including asbestos removal
Stabilise the structure of the building, carrying out both aesthetic repairs and alterations to the masonry
Install new windows, M&E, drainage and required services
Fit-out the new “central core”

The result

Tileyard North is now open and a thriving, globally recognised haven for artists and creatives.

The UK’s largest creative community outside of London, it features recording studios, content spaces, offices and events spaces.

The challenges

The Grade II Listed buildings were structurally unsafe and in a state of disrepair, meaning access to the buildings was difficult at times – especially as the site bordered the River Calder, and could be subject to flooding at times.

Our expertise in working with historic buildings and collaboration with conservation officers and ecologists meant we could meet the challenges and achieve the ambitious targets.

Use the tool below to scroll to find out more about the challenges and how we overcame them.

Damp and rot

Collaboration with conservation officers and damp and rot specialists was key throughout, having to be appointed to undertake numerous surveys to ensure the environment was safe to work in.

Mitigation strategy for nesting pigeons

Mitigation strategy were in place to work around nesting pigeons, working closely with ecologists. Extensive presence of guano, which had to be cleaned systematically so as not to disrupt the programme.

Asbestos

Survey for asbestos and high level of lead content led to its removal from painted surfaces, window frames, steel frames, walls, floor timbers and roof structure

Restore and maintain

Red brick structures built in 1800s with natural slate roofing: we had to restore and maintain them as much as possible.

Timber roofs and floors

Mixture of timber roof constructions, light steel frames, and timber roof constructions.

Predominantly timber floors with a mixture of concrete and paved flooring.

Pandemic restrictions

The project started during the height of the pandemic when restrictions were high. The team had to be managed in secure bubbles, isolating elements of the work and reducing numbers on sites. This also led to difficulties with material availability, lead times and inflated costs

Beyond the buildings: leaving a legacy

Our construction projects don’t just build – they always aim to leave a positive legacy to the community.

FOUR WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS | TWO APPRENTICES | FIVE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTED DURING PROJECT

Use the scroller below to find out how this project benefitted local people.

Wakefield Sea Cadets

Repairs and refurbishment works to neighbouring building which was home to the Wakefield Sea Cadets.

Spectrum People

Collaboration with neighbours Spectrum People raised over £1,500 through the Three Peaks Challenge, food bank, easter egg and selection box collections, as well as gifting furniture and white goods to help people in need.

Sandal Magna Community Academy

Engagement with local primary school, Sandal Magna Community Academy, included site visits and hoarding designs as part of their geography project.

Andy’s Man Club

Mental Health Awareness for the site team: Andy’s Man Club, Suicide Awareness Training, Prostrate Cancer, and Rachel Alexander session.

Wakefield College

Our industry partnership with Wakefield College saw us take on several work experience placements throughout the duration of the project.

“We had a very interesting and educational visit to Rutland Mills. The contractors were amazing with the children and were very open to answering lots of questions and providing lots of information. The children really enjoyed their visit and have loved being part of a project so close to both their homes and school.”

Catherine Grindle, Teacher at Sandal Magna Community Academy

OUR PARTNERS

City and Provincial Properties | Opera PM | Hawkins Brown | Wakefield Council

Interested in bringing historic buildings back to life?

Check out our sustainable transformation of a historic former fire station into the STEAM Studios.

See the case study