The regeneration of Wakefield's historic waterfront is a key priority for Wakefield Council. 

This redevelopment will transform this southern gateway by adding a new cultural dimension into the city.  Also through revitalising the historic waterfront with high quality living, office and riverside leisure accommodation and activities. 

The most prominent part of the site will be occupied by The Hepworth Wakefield complemented by the £100m commercial project by developers CTP St James which included an imaginative mix of office, residential and leisure buildings covering the remaining 10 acres.

The masterplan for the waterfront includes the restoration and conservation of a number of fine historical structures such as the 18th century Grade II* Listed Calder & Hebble Navigation Warehouse and Grade II Listed Phoenix and Rutland Mills complex.

The historic buildings will be sympathetically restored and with a range of new buildings, will provide around 500,000 sq ft (50,000m²) of luxury riverside apartments, office space and leisure facilities including restaurants, cafes, courtyards, landscaped gardens and public spaces.

The scheme has been drawn up in partnership with Wakefield Council and British Waterways.  It has attracted significant financial support from Yorkshire Forward and the European Union (ERDF Grant).

Phase 1 of the new development commenced in January 2007.  This phase includes the refurbishment of the historic Calder and Hebble Navigation Warehouse and construction of new office and residential space as well as a high quality public square.  This phase will open in October 2008. The Hepworth Wakefield, a 5500m² world-class gallery and centre for creative arts was designed for Wakefield Council by the leading British architect David Chipperfield.  The Hepworth will be built on a dramatic site next to the River Calder with views of the heritage buildings and the city skyline.  The Hepworth Wakefield is a bold, landmark development on Wakefield's historic waterfront. 

This central gallery will feature the unique collection of 30 of Barbara Hepworth's original plaster sculptures that have been gifted to the city by the Hepworth Family Trust. The Hepworth Wakefield will house the internationally recognised fine and decorative art collections that are currently inadequately displayed at Wakefield Art Gallery.

The Hepworth Wakefield will also feature a public garden and a footbridge across the River Calder linking the gallery and the waterfront to Wakefield city centre and a dedicated car park and coach drop off point on Thornes Lane. 

The gallery site also includes a Grade II listed Watermill which will be conserved to provide interpretation of the history of the mill and waterfront and create managed workspace.  Detailed planning permission was granted for The Hepworth Wakefield (including bridge and car park) in January 2005.  Construction of the new gallery commenced on site in November 2007 and is due to be completed in late 2009, with the official opening in Spring 2010.

Overall the waterfront scheme, including The Hepworth Wakefield and commercial development, has attracted significant public sector funding support, with over £27m of match funding secured or allocated from European Regional Development Fund, Yorkshire Forward, Arts Council England and Heritage lottery Fund.

For more information on The Hepworth Wakefield visit the website (see 'Related Links'). 

WAKEFIELD COUNCIL ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE FUNDERS