Category Archives: Project Updates

The restoration of Phoenix Mill marks a major milestone in Wakefield’s ongoing regeneration. This Grade II-listed mill, with over two centuries of Yorkshire’s industrial heritage, has been meticulously restored and now stands renewed as a vibrant cornerstone of Tileyard North, the UK’s largest creative community outside London.

  Complex, Specialist Works Delivered to the Highest Standard

Restoring Phoenix Mill demanded exceptional expertise and careful coordination. The project encompassed extensive external, internal, and structural repairs, landscaping, and architectural metalwork, all delivered in a way that balanced modern construction requirements with heritage preservation.

The project involved intricate partial demolition and reconstruction, and the mill’s riverside location on the River Calder presented significant logistical challenges, making traditional scaffolding impossible. To overcome this, a bespoke cantilevered scaffold system was engineered on a floating pontoon and anchored within the mill’s basement. This innovative solution enabled safe, precise restoration work while protecting the building’s historic fabric, demonstrating true engineering ingenuity.

Throughout the project, every element of the mill’s heritage required careful attention. Conservation-approved windows were sensitively installed, and traditional brickwork and pointing techniques restored the façade authentically. Comprehensive roof and drainage work protected both interior and exterior spaces, while thoughtful landscaping and high-quality stainless-steel railings and staircases, fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel Ltd, enhanced accessibility and functionality. Together, these works illustrate the scale, technical complexity, and craftsmanship required to bring Phoenix Mill back to life as a fully functional, modern building without compromising its historic character.

The project was delivered in partnership with Opera Project Management, Hawkins\Brown Architects, Civic Engineers, supported by funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, grant funding from Historic England, and contributions from Wakefield Council and City & Provincial Properties.

“The restoration of the Grade II-listed Phoenix Mill, part of the Tileyard North Scheme in Wakefield, was a complex project that required a blend of construction expertise and in-depth conservation knowledge. Henley Restoration & Remedials played a pivotal role in guiding and delivering the works to meet the strict conservation standards, ensuring the building was carefully restored and primed for its next phase. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, with excellent collaboration throughout, which ensured the project was delivered on programme and to the highest level of quality. I would highly recommend them. It truly was a very positive experience working with Henley Restoration and Remedials,  there was a real focus on just getting the job done which is becoming increasingly rare in the construction industry. We will certainly be keeping them in mind for any future works.”  Joe Derham, Project Director, Opera Project Management

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“To all the team responsible for the successful completion of Phoenix Mill, thanks you again again for doing an excellent job on the Phoenix building we are very pleased with the end result!” Paul Kempe, Director, City & Provincial Properties.

 With Phoenix Mill now fully restored and handed over, Henley Restoration & Remedials looks forward to seeing the building thrive in its new role as a creative and cultural hub. This successful project underscores the team’s expertise in delivering complex, heritage-led restorations, setting the stage for future landmark projects that continue to combine technical excellence with the preservation of historic character.

Henley Restoration & Remedials is proud to announce that the restoration of West Bromwich Town Hall and Library has been recognised with the prestigious Victorian Society Conservation Award. This accolade, awarded to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, highlights the dedication and craftsmanship involved in preserving these historic buildings and ensuring their legacy for future generations.

Working as part of Morgan Sindall’s Central and West Construction team, we were entrusted with specialist restoration works to support the wider project. Our team meticulously restored, replaced, and enhanced over 200 windows—some measuring up to 3 meters high and 2 meters wide—including intricate stained-glass details. In addition to the window restorations, our scope of work involved extensive lime plastering and the careful restoration of the terracotta colonnade on the Town Hall tower, one of the building’s standout architectural features.

Restoring a building of this scale and historical significance presented unique challenges. Our team collaborated closely with the architect and conservation officer to develop innovative solutions that preserved original materials, maintained the building’s historic integrity, and delivered cost efficiencies. For example, deteriorating terracotta columns initially slated for replacement were carefully restored, demonstrating the synergy between our craftsmanship and problem-solving expertise—ultimately saving the client thousands in costs.

We are incredibly proud of our on-site teams and our contract manager, Josh Peach, for their dedication and commitment to delivering outstanding results.

This award is a testament to the collective efforts of every specialist contractor involved in the project and our valued client, Morgan Sindall. We are delighted to see this scheme recognised.

Click here for more information on the award win.https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/national-news/the-victorian-society-west-midlands-conservation-award-2024-goes-to-sandwell-council-for-their-project-at-west-bromwich-town-hall-and-library/

Historic England, the government-affiliated body tasked with safeguarding the UK’s cultural heritage, is playing a key role in preserving and adapting historic buildings for modern use.

In a recent feature on CGTN, Policy Director Charles Smith highlighted this mission during a visit to Phoenix Mill, part of the Rutland Mills complex in Wakefield—a project proudly led by Henley Restoration & Remedials.

As the final phase of the ambitious Tileyard North redevelopment, Phoenix Mill is being carefully transformed while retaining its rich historical character. Henley Restoration & Remedials understands the importance of balancing preservation with progress, ensuring the site’s architectural significance is maintained while meeting modern building standards and structural requirements.

Charles Smith, Policy Director for Historic England, commented on the significance of the project:
“Buildings like Phoenix Mill tell the story of our industrial heritage. Restoring and repurposing them preserves this legacy while giving these spaces new life, benefiting both local communities and the wider economy.”

The recognition of this project on CGTN, an internationally acclaimed news platform, underscores the global importance of cultural heritage preservation. It also highlights the collaborative efforts of organisations like Historic England and the expertise of specialist restoration teams in ensuring that heritage sites remain functional and meaningful in today’s world.

Henley Restoration & Remedials is honoured to be part of such a landmark project in Yorkshire.

Be sure to watch the feature on CGTN—it’s an insightful look at an important subject, and we’re proud to see one of our key projects showcased on an international platform.

CGTN News feature on Heritage Protection Highlighted at Tileyard North