We’re pleased to share an update on Phoenix Mill, a landmark restoration project as part of the Tileyard North regeneration in Wakefield.

Phoenix Mill stands as a distinguished example of what can be achieved when engineering and construction specialists unite with a shared vision. As part of the Tileyard North regeneration in Wakefield, this Grade II landmark is undergoing a transformative restoration, set to become the anchor of a 135,000 sq. ft. creative hub—the largest of its kind outside London.

This ambitious project has been made possible through grant funding from Historic England, support from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), and contributions from Wakefield Council and City & Provincial Properties. Upon completion, Phoenix Mill will serve as a catalyst for Wakefield’s cultural and creative industries, seamlessly blending heritage with modern innovation.

Expert-led Restoration

At the core of this complex restoration is Henley Restoration & Remedials, a division of Henley Construction Management Group, entrusted with carrying out extensive external, internal, structural repairs, landscaping and architectural metal work. The works involve intricate partial demolition and rebuild, which has required a highly coordinated and specialist approach.

Henley has collaborated and worked closely with Civic Engineers, specialists in structural, civil, and transport engineering, whose expertise in historic structures has been crucial in guiding each phase of the restoration. Renowned architects Hawkins\Brown and Project Managers OPERA have also been instrumental, ensuring the project progresses through a meticulously planned and collaborative effort.

Overcoming Structural Challenges

The restoration of Phoenix Mill has presented significant technical challenges, particularly in preserving its historic structure, while undertaking essential repair works. Careful planning and innovative temporary stabilisation solutions have been critical in ensuring a safe working environment, especially through the partial demolition and reconstruction process.

Ensuring the long-term stability of this Grade II mill while adapting it for future use requires a delicate balance between heritage, conservation and modern engineering solutions.

Innovation in Site Logistics and Safety

One of the most complex logistical challenges has been Phoenix Mill’s riverside location, sat on the banks of the River Calder. A location that renders traditional scaffolding impractical. In response, Civic Engineers pioneered an innovative solution—a bespoke multi brace jack arch cantilevered scaffold system to enable the scaffolding to be beamed out of two existing windows

This pioneering approach involved assembling the scaffold on a floating pontoon before securing it with cantilevered beams anchored within the mill’s basement apertures. This innovative method not only facilitated essential restoration work in a safe and controlled manner but also minimised any physical impact on the building’s historic fabric, showcasing outstanding engineering ingenuity.

Billy Brand, Associate and Structural Engineer in our Leeds studio, commented: “This project required a meticulous approach to both time and detail. We carefully analysed the building’s structural behaviour to develop a solution that balanced practicality with preservation. By working closely with Henleys and their scaffold designers, we ensured the suspended system was not only safe and functional but also sensitive to the mill’s historic character, allowing restoration work to proceed efficiently without unnecessary intervention.”

Preserving Historic Fabric

A key achievement of this restoration has been the preservation of the vast majority of the mill’s original structure, an essential consideration from both a heritage and sustainability perspective.

Due to the age of Phoenix mill, the building required significant structural repairs to the majority of masonry and timber elements. These works necessitated close collaboration between a number of specialists to design discreet, minimal interventions that are sympathetic to the building’s historic character while ensuring complete structural integrity.

The east gable of Phoenix Mill has undergone the most extensive restoration, requiring a full takedown and rebuild. Extensive temporary propping was essential to stabilise the structure, with Henley Restoration & Remedials and Civic Engineers developing a carefully sequenced strategy to enable safe intervention while at the same time not compromising the building’s stability.

A major milestone in the project was the successful installation of a 12.22-metre-long timber truss, weighing 995kg. Crafted from Douglas fir, the truss has been secured using traditional oak pegs and fir wedges, ensuring an authentic match with the original Mills timberwork.

Henley Restoration & Remedials has also played a pivotal role in conserving the mill’s original masonry. Wherever possible, materials were safeguarded and repurposed, while new heritage-recognised bricks and mortar were sourced for areas requiring replacement, ensuring repairs remain virtually indistinguishable from the original fabric.

A meticulous material analysis process has been instrumental in maintaining the mill’s authenticity. Henley’s expert team continues to conduct detailed remedial assessments, identifying the precise sand composition and lime pointing techniques required. To ensure seamless compatibility between the original structure and new interventions.

Every repair has been thoughtfully designed to protect the site’s industrial heritage, demonstrating an approach that is both technically robust and safe while undertaking and remembering the historic sensitivity of Phoenix Mill.

A Testament to Collaboration

Ongoing site inspections and consultations remain integral to the conservation process. Regular meetings between Henley Restoration & Remedials, Civic Engineers, Hawkins\Brown, OPERA, and the project’s stakeholders have facilitated in-depth discussions on repair options and material samples, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and technical precision.

Tom Cardoe, Managing Director of Henley Restoration & Remedials, commented: “Building strong relationships through regular on-site meetings has been key to this project’s success. We consistently collaborate, developing creative solutions that preserve historic fabric while balancing modern needs. This approach reflects the high standards we always uphold in Henley Restoration projects and ensures our site teams’ safety while navigating complex structural takedowns and rebuilds.”

Looking Ahead

As the complete restoration of Phoenix Mill nears completion later this year, the project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. An achievement, that the whole of the Wakefield community can take great pride in.

As the final instalment of the Tileyard North regeneration, this transformation exemplifies how historic buildings can be sensitively adapted for modern use, while at the same time preserving their unique and historical identity.

With completion on the horizon, Phoenix Mill is set to become a cornerstone of Wakefield’s creative and cultural resurgence. This restoration project showcases the impact of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and strong partnerships in helping to shape the future of heritage conservation.

We look forward to sharing further updates as this extraordinary project reaches its final stages. [Image credit: Jack Hobhouse].