Mill’s creative quarter conversion gets the go-ahead

Plans to convert a listed mill on Wakefield’s waterfront to create a new creative quarter have been given the go-ahead.Consent was granted for the conversion of Rutland Mills at a meeting of Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee. The decision is in line with a recommendation from the planning officer in a report prepared for the meeting.Architecture practice HawkinsBrown secured planning permission on behalf of City & Provincial Properties.The site is located to the south of Wakefield city centre, adjacent to The Hepworth Wakefield art gallery and a grade II-listed watermill, and currently comprises a complex of nine 19th century buildings.The mill is now set to be turned into a new mixed use creative quarter for collaborative partnerships in music, film, TV, design and new media. This will include a new four-storey building, riverside pier and new public realm creating a large open air events space.A flexible range of uses are proposed, including new shops, market stalls, a hotel, food and drink outlets, conference and education spaces, art galleries, a microbrewery, craft workshops, studios and offices.