Old Westgate Station
New Hotel for the City
We're bringing forward plans for a new hotel in Wakefield city centre to help support tourism, attract business visitors and encourage more people to stay longer and explore everything the city has to offer.
The project will deliver a modern three to four-star hotel with around 110 bedrooms, meeting space and high-quality public outdoor areas.
The hotel will be built on the former Westgate Railway Station site, which the Council purchased in 2023. Located next to the current Wakefield Westgate station, the site benefits from excellent rail connections to Leeds, London and other major cities, making it an ideal location for visitors and business travellers. Until construction begins, the site will continue to operate as a temporary public car park.
As part of the wider scheme, the nearby historic Pemberton House will be refurbished and brought back into use as office space.
The plans also include new green spaces and improved pedestrian routes, helping to create a more attractive and welcoming gateway into the city centre.
What the project will deliver
The project aims to:
Deliver a new three to four-star hotel by 2028
Provide around 110 additional hotel rooms in the city centre
Create high-quality public green space
Bring a prominent vacant site back into productive use
Improve the appearance and accessibility of the area around the station
Benefits
The project will:
• Provide a high-quality, modern hotel in the city centre
• Support tourism by encouraging more visitors to stay overnight
• Create jobs during construction and once the hotel is operational
• Boost the local economy and support local businesses
• Improve connectivity, safety and access around the city centre
• Create attractive new green spaces for people to enjoy
• Strengthen Wakefield's reputation as a destination for visitors and investors
Progress so far
2013: The original Westgate station closed and the new Wakefield Westgate Railway Station opened on Mulberry Way.
2023: The Council purchased the former station site from Network Rail.
2026: Development partner ION Developments Limited was appointed to deliver the project.
What happens next
Late 2026: Site investigation work to support the detailed design, and selection of a hotel brand and operator.
Spring 2027: Design development and planning application submission.
Autumn 2027: Construction work expected to begin.
End of 2028: Hotel expected to be completed and open to guests.
Funding
The project is being funded through external Government investment as part of Wakefield's £24.9 million Local Regeneration Fund programme, previously known as the Towns Deal programme. This funding is helping to deliver projects that support economic growth, improve key sites and create new opportunities across the city.