The Merchant Gate is one of the most important City Centre development sites in the Yorkshire region. It provides an exciting opportunity to create a new high quality business quarter for the city of Wakefield.

Within and around the development site there are many fine listed buildings which lend character to the area. The Council are committed that this re-development must compliment these outstanding historic buildings as well as enhance their settings.

Wakefield Council has joined forces with key stakeholders Network Rail, the train operators, Metro and developer English Cities Fund (ECF) in order to drive this regeneration forward.

English Cities Fund (ECF)is a UK Government backed partnership bringing together developers MUSE, Legal and General Insurance and Government Agency, Housing and Community Agency to deliver this scheme.  A "Masterplan" for the entire site was submitted to the Council in May 2005, which was granted outline planning permission in September 2005.

The Masterplan comprises of:

Several office blocks, 350 residential units, complementary small scale retail and restaurants, public squares and piazzas, 150 bed hotel and a new Westgate rail station.   

A new section of the Emerald Ring (the city's inner ring road) will be constructed through the site, which would provide access to the development and a new 1,500 space multi-storey car park adjacent to the rail line. 

Phase 1 of the scheme commenced on 27 October 2008 and will be completed in August 2010.  This element of the scheme will see a public square surrounded by 3 new buildings (offices and apartments), a 1,500 multi storey car park and construction of a new section of the Emerald Ring (city's inner ring road).

Phase 2 and future phases will include a new council office building, further offices and residential units.  A planning application is due in Spring 2009 with commencement programmed for Autumn 2009.  Discussions on a new rail station is being progressed.

For more detailed informaiton see www.merchantgate.co.uk

Site updated: 13 October 2009

Wakefield Council are grateful for the support of the following funders: