As we approach the end of 2022, we speak to the team at Tileyard North to give an insight into what this year looked like, and aspirations for the new year upon our opening here in Wakefield.

In what has been a monumental 12 months for everyone working on the project – and our extended Tileyard community, friends, collaborators and supporters – let’s look back at a few highlights from 2022 and hear from some of those making this creative industries destination a reality…

Nick Keynes, Co-Founder of Tileyard North noted on the project during The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market addressing: “Tileyard North has been so warmly embraced, everyone is proud to see the buildings repurposed as we create a space for the local community, region and further afield to work within, visit and enjoy.”

Not only were we shortlisted alongside Wakefield Council in The Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards 2022, for ‘Public-Private Collaboration of the Year’ but the council also released their case study on Tileyard North. This provided a sneak peek into our spaces as we heard the start of the Tileyard North story unfold from Co-Founders, Paul Kempe and Nick Keynes. 

Shortly after, we made an appearance in the city centre for Long Division 2022, Wakefield’s Music & Culture event. For the second year, we were proud to sponsor the stage at the Mechanics’ Theatre and celebrate emerging talent. Tileyard Education even teamed up with Long Division and DIY Magazine to present ‘Multiply’, an informal social and networking event – read our roundup. Harry Leckstein – Managing Director of Tileyard Education – hopes Tileyard North will “bring more opportunity for those aspiring to a career in the creative industries… That ability to start and develop your career while studying makes us stand out, allowing students to connect in a more practical, industry-connected way.” (as quoted in Audio Media International).

We continued to network and curate more BTS content as we moved into quarter 3. From going behind-the-scenes at Leeds Digital Festival, releasing a short film and tour of the spaces, to taking part in this year’s Synthfest – read the news and watch our interviews with press from the day, here.

Bryan Borcherds, Marketing Manager at Tileyard London joined us at Synthfest to tell the Tileyard North story, commenting: “Apart from the incredible work that’s been done to restore the history and heritage of the mills, it’s the ‘vibe’ that really stands out for me. Even during the renovation stages you could feel the energy of what Tileyard North is – creativity, excitement, community. The past meets the present – the best way to catch the vibe will be to head down there, grab a coffee, and let the energy of the place let the creativity flow.”

Community Associate, Katie Hopkins shared: “After starting with the team in January, I’ve loved being a part of the journey this year as we gear up for completion. It’s been fantastic building relationships with the music, creative and events community and getting to know the first residents that will call Tileyard North home in the new year. The Hepworth Festive Market has to be my highlight, as I spoke to locals, creatives, stallholders, artists and so many visitors that wanted to hear all about our plans for the site at Rutland Mills.” To look back at the Festive Market, head over to our Instagram where we shared live updates from the day.

Phase 1 of the development is nearly complete, but Phase 2 is only just beginning. Let’s end with a quote from Tileyard owner and Co-Founder, Paul Kempe when our latest news hit the press: “Tileyard North apart from being a creative hub will also be open to the whole community and will include restaurants, bars, event spaces, a hotel, and a variety of other uses making it a true destination for people to visit to enjoy the various offerings and of course to socialise with friends and family. We believe this creative destination will be transformational for both Wakefield and the wider area and will provide a facility that does not currently exist within the area which is accessible to all.”

Learn more about Phase Two, here.

Thanks for following our journey in 2022, wishing all our community a wonderful festive season and best wishes for the new year. See you in 2023!