The Restoration of Phoenix Mill, Rutland Mills / Tileyard North, Wakefield

Project Manager: Opera Project Management 

Clients: Historic England, Wakefield Council, City & Provincial Properties, Tileyard North
Principal Contractor: Henley Restoration & Remedials, part of Henley Construction Management Group

Project Status: Completed, August 2025

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Overview

The restoration of Phoenix Mill, the oldest building in the historic Rutland Mills complex, marks a major milestone in Wakefield’s ongoing regeneration. With over two centuries of industrial heritage, this Grade II-listed grain and textile mill has been meticulously brought back to life as part of the Tileyard North development, the UK’s largest creative community outside London.

Now fully restored, Phoenix Mill stands as a vibrant cornerstone of Tileyard North, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern functionality to support the region’s growing cultural and commercial industries.

Funding and Partnerships

This landmark project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of key partners and funders:

• Historic England, which provided essential grant funding for exterior repairs including roof, drainage, and window installation.

• The UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, offering major support for the wider regeneration programme.

• Wakefield Council and City & Provincial Properties, both contributing significantly to the project.

Delivered in partnership with Opera Project Management, Hawkins\Brown Architects, Reform, and Civic Engineers, the scheme demonstrates the power of collaboration in preserving heritage while driving economic growth.

Scope of Works

As Principal Contractor, Henley Restoration & Remedials delivered a programme of complex, specialist works designed to restore the mill’s integrity while preparing it for modern use.

Key works included:

• Complex Demolition & Reconstruction – selective removal of deteriorated elements and rebuilding to strict conservation standards.

• Structural Repairs – stabilisation of the framework to meet modern performance requirements without compromising heritage fabric.

• Innovative Scaffolding Solutions – with the riverside site making traditional scaffolding impossible, a bespoke cantilevered scaffold system on a floating pontoon was engineered, anchored within the mill’s basement. This allowed safe access for works while preserving the building’s fabric.

• Heritage Brickwork & Pointing – traditional methods used to restore façades authentically.

• Roofing & Drainage – comprehensive works to ensure the building is watertight and protected long-term.

• Windows & Architectural Metalwork – conservation-approved windows installed and high-quality stainless-steel railings and staircases fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel Ltd.

• Landscaping – enhancements to accessibility and site functionality.

Challenges

Working on a Grade II-listed structure in a riverside setting posed significant technical and logistical challenges:

• Restricted access meant traditional scaffolding solutions were unviable.

• Every intervention required heritage-sensitive methods approved by conservation authorities.

• The project demanded exceptional coordination between partners to balance modern building standards with the preservation of historic character.

Outcome & Significance

The completed restoration of Phoenix Mill exemplifies Henley Restoration & Remedials’ expertise in complex heritage projects, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern construction ingenuity.

The building is now fully prepared for its new role as a creative and cultural hub within Tileyard North, safeguarding its historic character while delivering practical, functional spaces for future tenants.

Client Feedback

“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, thank you again for doing an excellent job on the Phoenix building. We are very pleased with the end result!”
— Paul Kempe, Director, City & Provincial Properties

Conclusion

With Phoenix Mill now fully restored and handed over, Henley Restoration & Remedials is proud to have played a pivotal role in this transformational project. The scheme underscores the firm’s commitment to quality, technical excellence, and heritage preservation, and sets the stage for future landmark projects across the UK.