Green light for latest phase of mill redevelopment

Proposals for the latest phase of the multimillion-pound redevelopment of a historic Yorkshire textile mill have been given the go-ahead.City & Provincial Properties Investments (CPPI) submitted plans to Wakefield Council last year for the Phoenix Mill.building in the Rutland Mills complex in Wakefield.The project represents phase two of the multimillion-pound redevelopment of the Rutland Mills complex.The plans include the repair and refurbishment of grade II-listed building, including the removal of the modern lift overrun; introduction of doors through the West Gable to link with the river pier; the repair and rebuilding of the east gable; and repair or replacement of windows.A range of uses are proposed for the refurbished building , including commercial space, a microbrewery, and art gallery and exhibition space.The council has now granted approval for the works, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.A planning officer’s report accompanying the decision said: “The building subject of this planning application comprises part of a former worsted spinning mill complex at Rutland Mills on Wakefield waterfront, which is grade II-listed.”The listed building (building 12) is vacant and is the last building within the Rutland Mills complex to be brought into use and the agent has confirmed that the proposed changes are required to allow the building to be brought into a viable use in the future; the proposal preserves and enhances the architectural and historic importance of the listed building.”In these circumstances, it is considered that the public benefit of allowing changes to the grade II-listed building, to be brought into use outweighs the harm identified to the loss of some internal and external historic fabric and significance of the heritage asset.”The wider waterside area is being transformed into Tileyard North, a creative industries hub housing recording studios, creative workspaces and events venues.Wakefield Council has supported the project from inception, with funding also provided by the Government’s Levelling Up Programme (LUF) and City and Provincial Properties.Historic England awarded £625,000 to support the Phoenix Mill earlier this year.