Zoom Webinar hosted by Wakefield Civic Society, 21 January 2021
This year Wakefield Civic Society hosted the annual joint meeting with Wakefield Historical Society. Kevin Trickett, President of the Civic Society introduced the three speakers: Louisa Brooks, Asset Manager for City and Provincial Properties who are responsible for Tileyard Studios in Kings Cross; Tom Dobson, Architect and Associate Director at Hawkins\Brown Architects and Nick Birchall, Architect at Hawkins\Brown.
Tom Dobson described the history of the Rutland Mills complex, most of which is Grade 2 listed, apart from the building facing the river which is of ‘Local Interest’. The complex which was built in various stages between 1820 and 1936, was originally a spinning mill, which closed in 1970. It was used more recently as a dance studio and artists’ workshops up to about 25 years ago, since which time it has been derelict. Between 2011 and 2014 a number of sheds were cleared to preserve the best buildings. It was acquired in 2019 by City and Provincial as a northern hub for Tileyard.
The 9 buildings on site are in varying conditions, and the aim is to preserve the unique features wherever possible, including the polychromatic arches, windows and openings, and the ‘epic’ roof spaces with timber trusses and slender steel trusses. Each feature will need assessing individually; timber and stone floors and cast iron columns examining for condition. Hazardous materials need to be removed. Much has been damaged by water ingress and pigeons.
Nick Birchall described the plans and progress so far. In Phase 1A which started in September 2020, a building would be removed to make a central courtyard that could be used as an event space. Access routes were bring improved, particularly that from Bridge Street. Lead paint, asbestos, mould and vegetation were being removed from the buildings, and supports and props put in place internally. 55 different types of windows needed assessing and agreement made with the local authority to bring them up to modern standards. Masonry was being repaired, mortar repaired with lime mortar, and the original colours of the bricks being restored. Internally plaster was being removed, and roofs stripped off to the original. Insulation needed to be added, and suitable slate found, wherever possible using the original. Stairs and lifts would be on the exterior of the building so that the integrity of the original buildings was not spoilt. In Phase 1B which would start in Spring 2021, the building facing the river would be restored, a new pier built and flood barriers put in place to link with those of the Hepworth. In Phase 2 a new building would be added on the south of the site.
Louisa Birchall explained Tileyard’s vision for its Wakefield site. The present Kings Cross site is the world’s largest community of independent artists and businesses working in the music industry and now includes over 250 companies and 90 studios. It includes a restaurant and microbrewery, and is involved in education. The Wakefield site would be a similar hub for the north of England, drawing musicians, artists and businesses from across the area. There would be music studios, a restaurant, a microbrewery, and offices. The aim is to complement the Hepworth and encourage people to stay longer on site, and also to return regularly for events and food. Tileyard wish to invest in the local community.
Various questions followed from the audience: availability of car parking, better access considering the busy roads, whether spaces will be affordable, and the danger of flooding.
Tileyard will certainly be a great asset to Wakefield, and as a Historical Society we are pleased that so much of the historic buildings will be sensitively restored and back in use for the community.
https://www.hawkinsbrown.com/projects/rutland-mills