The city council has confirmed it is moving forward with ambitious proposals to reshape the city centre, placing housing, leisure and culture at the heart of a major long-term regeneration.
At the core of the vision is the demolition of The Ridings shopping centre, which would make way for a new Cathedral Quarter. The scheme would deliver more than 1,000 new homes set around a series of public squares, green spaces, leisure venues and significant cultural attractions.
Planned to be rolled out in phases over the next 10 to 15 years, the regeneration is being described by the council as the most significant transformation of Wakefield city centre in over four decades.
The proposals include a new library and museum, a cinema, bars and restaurants, alongside substantial car parking provision. Historic street routes would also be reinstated to reconnect this part of the city and improve movement through the area.
The redevelopment area would extend to nearby 1960s residential tower blocks owned by Vico Homes. These buildings would be cleared as part of the first phase and replaced with around 200 new homes for existing residents.
Muse has led the masterplanning work, building on its previous involvement in Wakefield through projects such as the Wakefield One civic building and the wider Merchant Gate regeneration.
An initial £18m of central government funding has been secured to support the first phase, covering the council’s purchase of The Ridings and early-stage activity including planning, business case development and funding applications.
Cabinet members are set to review the initial proposals on 17 February. Subject to approval, a public consultation will follow.