Ref: PR2212
Date: 05/05/09

A national conference is being held in Wakefield next week with guest speakers from Wakefield Council focusing on the district’s regeneration.

Council Leader Peter Box will talk about what is happening in Wakefield, Corporate Director for Regeneration, Culture and Sport Andy Wallhead will speak about Wakefield Waterfront and The Hepworth Wakefield director Simon Wallis will talk about creating a major new gallery in the city at the event.

The 17th annual National Mills Conference is on Thursday 14 May at the historic Navigation Warehouse. It will focus on the redevelopment of the once derelict buildings and the birth of a new neighbourhood, Wakefield Waterfront.

Peter Box said: “It is a real boost for the district to be hosting this national event and visitors will be able to see first-hand the progress we are making regarding regeneration and becoming a major destination-choice. Wakefield Waterfront and the Wakefield’s market are both recent examples of new or refurbished buildings fit for the 21st Century and our world-class art gallery will also be highlighted at the event. We hope to show people how we have been successful in creating a sense of place by regenerating historic buildings and complementing these with modern architecture.”

Conference Coordinator Nigel Grizzard said: “I’m very excited to be in Wakefield. At a previous conference we visited Navigation Warehouse, then an empty and unused shell. Now the building has been brought back to life by CTP St James and is one of the best mill and warehouse developments in the region.”

Other speakers include Oliver Quarmby from the developers CTP St James and Ken Moth from BDP Manchester who oversaw the development.

For more information about the conference or to book a place please contact Nigel Grizzard on 0113 237 9920.

ENDS