Waterfront Deal Clinches Development's Future

Date: 25/11/2004
Source: Wakefield Council

A key development in the progress of Wakefield’s Waterfront Scheme has seen an exchange of contracts between Wakefield Council and Peter Wilkes of Wilkes Group Services for the sale of the Rutland Mills complex.

Wilkes Group Services was originally founded in 1946 by Mr Gerald Wilkes and it is fitting that one of the conditions of sale was that the most prominent building within the Rutland Mills Complex will be named after him.

The agreement means that the Rutland Mills Complex will be released for redevelopment of the Waterfront’s commercial, residential and leisure complex which is planned for completion over the next few years.

As part of the deal, the 300 employees of Wilkes Group Services who work out of the Rutland Mills are being assured they will continue to work there for the next two years or until suitable alternative premises are acquired.

Councillor Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The exchange of contracts signifies a tremendous leap forward in the Waterfront Scheme.

“Both the Council and Peter Wilkes want to assure Wilkes Group Services employees that their jobs are secure and it will be businesses as usual both now and in the future when relocation takes place.

“This deal is one of the final pieces of the jigsaw to have everything in place ready for work to begin on site on this major regeneration scheme for the city which will bring about a dramatic change in southern approach to Wakefield.”

Peter Wilkes said: “After many years of uncertainty, I am delighted that Wakefield Council has made such positive progress towards the Wakefield Waterfront Scheme and regeneration of these wonderful Victorian mill buildings.

“Wakefield Council is to be congratulated on agreeing to transform an area set within one of Britain’s oldest and most important inland waterway networks into an exciting and prestigious residential, working and leisure facility which will vastly enhance this part of the city.”