Cathedral Quarter Transformation
This is a really exciting moment for our city. The Cathedral Quarter project will be the biggest change Wakefield has seen since The Ridings was built in the 1970s.
Back then, The Ridings faced a lot of criticism. Many people were unsure it was the right move. But bold, forward‑thinking decisions turned it into a major asset for the city for many years.
Now, with traditional retail declining across the country, it’s clear things can’t stay the same. City centres need to evolve to survive, and this project is an important part of making sure our city continues to thrive and grow.
We’re now at another pivotal point in Wakefield’s story. The decisions we make today will transform the area once again. Securing a bright, sustainable future for generations to come.
The Cathedral Quarter project will:
- create a vibrant new city district everyone can be proud of
- deliver new homes to meet growing demand
- increase footfall to support independent businesses
- boost population and demand for services, leisure, and retail - attracting new inward investment
- introduce new public outdoor spaces
- strengthen the local economy and create jobs
Cllr Hemingway announces big changes are coming as he unveils plans to totally transform the heart of the city
The future of The Ridings and Wakefield city centre
The Ridings Shopping Centre opened in 1983 and was a big success for Wakefield. It won multiple awards and was a popular place to shop for many years. But from the late 1990s, people started shopping in different ways. The rise of online shopping meant fewer visitors came to The Ridings.
The number of shops and customers kept falling. The COVID19 pandemic made things even harder for retailers across the country.
Even with new investment, The Ridings did not recover.
The Council has set out a fresh vision for the city, with new homes, better leisure options, modern retail outlets, and lively public spaces.
In 2025, the Council appointed Muse as its regeneration partner. Muse has lots of experience delivering successful, large-scale redevelopment projects across the UK.
Working in partnership with MUSE, the Council continues to bring its vision for the future of the city to life.
What we plan to do
Wakefield Council will buy The Ridings and hire a specialist company to run it until all remaining shops have moved out. When the building is empty, The Ridings will close and be demolished.
The Council will also buy some of the other nearby buildings. Most will be bought through agreement, but Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) may be used if needed. These buildings will also be demolished, creating one large site ready for redevelopment.
The footprint of the Cathedral Quarter project now includes the area around the end of Bread Street, opposite the Cathedral. Already earmarked as a new Cathedral Square, it now forms part of the bigger Cathedral Quarter site. Giving us the opportunity to enhance plans for this area and make sure all the space ties together. Meeting the needs of our city now and in the future.
We’ll be moving forward with the demolition of the 1970s office and shop buildings which are now vacant.
The new proposals for this space will be available for everyone to share their views as part our Cathedral Quarter engagement which launches in March.
Why change is needed
Changes in how people are choosing to shop mean The Ridings can no longer operate successfully as a shopping centre. Both the Council and the current owner agree that selling the site and redeveloping it is the best option for the future of this part of the city.
Wakefield’s excellent transport links to Leeds, London, and other nearby cities make it a great choice for people who want all the benefits of city living, while enjoying easy commutes. It's important we keep up with growing demand for new homes in the city. This new project will provide the accommodation and opportunities needed to help this part of the city prosper and grow.
A Government funded transformation
The first phase is being funded through £17.9 million of Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG). This covers the acquisition of The Ridings, as well as contributing towards the extensive costs of completing this first phase including the development of planning applications, grant funding, business cases and wider resources. The cost to buy The Ridings reflects independent commercial advice on its market value.
The redevelopment will help Wakefield by:
- creating a new, vibrant city centre community
- providing modern homes for more people
- bringing more visitors into the city
- supporting local shops and businesses
- creating jobs and new investment
- improving how people move around the city
- boosting the local economy
Delivering the project
Back in 2022, we spoke with lots of residents and businesses to help create a future masterplan for the city.
This gave us a long term vision for how people want the city to grow and evolve.
The Cathedral Quarter project is the next step in bringing that vision to life. It builds directly on what people told us they wanted, and the artist impressions you see here reflect those ideas.
As we move forward, we’ll be launching an extensive public consultation programme. This will give residents, businesses, and anyone with an interest in the city centre a chance to help shape the final designs.
The project is being funded through the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The money they have given us for this project can’t be put towards delivering other Council services. If we don’t use the funding for this, we would have to return it to the Government.
The project will be delivered using a phased approach. Muse will lead on planning and project management.
The project will need planning permission and will also involve lots of public engagement.
Cllr Hemingway confirms businesses will be fully supported throughout the long-term regeneration work planned for the city.
Supporting businesses and residents
This project aims to attract more investment and new business to the city - not reduce it. Our Business Support team will help existing retailers find new premises in the city and provide a range of services to affected retailers.
Residents affected by property purchases will receive personalised support. VICO Homes will be on hand to provide help and assistance.
Next steps
If approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 17 February 2026, the formal purchase of The Ridings will begin.
After this:
- public engagement events will take place in the city centre and online
- regular updates will be shared with residents and businesses
- all affected tenants and property owners will be contacted directly and kept informed
We've provided more information on several key themes on this web page.
"I was delighted to see the new plans for the city centre, and I hope you will be too.
Exciting times ahead. And it looks like it's going to be incredible. Or should I say, unbelievable!?”
Chris Kamara
TV Presenter
“Wakefield Cathedral is the iconic venue at the heart of our city and district, and we're really excited about this project.”
Philip Hobday
Dean of Wakefield Cathedral
“Wakefield will be further enhanced by having more people living in the city centre.”
Katie Town
Executive Director Theatre Royal Wakefield
"This is an exciting transition for Wakefield. All cities and town centres evolve over time, sometimes organically when people move in and out, or businesses open and close, and sometimes strategically when major schemes such as this are proposed. The Council’s vision for the city centre acknowledges the need for change as part of the Wakefield’s ongoing evolution and reflects the needs and expectations of local residents, businesses and visitors to the city."
Kevin Trickett MBE
President of Wakefield Civic Society
"This fantastic development will clearly benefit all residents of Wakefield, including our students, and will make Wakefield a more attractive place to live, study and work. I do believe it will attract key employers to be based here, providing meaningful and high level jobs, driving up skills levels and career opportunities and, ultimately, prosperity."
Sam Wright
Principal and CEO at Heart of Yorkshire
Working with Morrisons
Joint Statement from Wakefield Council and Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd.
Wakefield Council and Morrisons are entering into talks following the announcement of plans for Wakefield’s new Cathedral Quarter on Thursday 5 February. The plans include the intended acquisition of The Ridings Shopping Centre by the Council to pave the way for a major redevelopment of the city centre.
Wakefield Council recognises that Morrisons has a long-term lease in The Ridings, with the status of this agreement being unaffected by today’s announcement, and the Morrisons supermarket at The Ridings will continue to trade as normal under the terms of this existing lease.
Wakefield Council is committed to working closely with Morrisons, as the ambitious regeneration plans develop, to agree the future plans for the site. The talks will fully honour existing commercial agreements, and will focus on securing Morrisons long term future in Wakefield for the benefit of local customers and staff.