Wakefield high street taskforce
Watch the short video on Building a fairer future and its plan at Wakefield Council, to make the district an even better place to live.
It is an exciting time for Wakefield. We are in the delivery phase of our Towns Deal projects.
The investment made possible by the Towns Deal will see our economy flourish through a focus on regenerating our city centre.
The aim of the Towns Deal is to deliver long term economic and productive growth through:
- urban regeneration, planning and land use
- making sure Wakefield is a thriving place for people to live and work by attracting more people into our city centre
- strengthening local businesses and supporting our local heritage and culture
- identifying areas requiring improvements and considering how we can deliver this through site:
- acquisition (buying properties and land)
- preparation (performing surveys and developing plans for new developments)
- remediation (bringing a contaminated or polluted land to a safe and usable state)
- regeneration (building new buildings and public spaces)
- making full use of the planning system to support a positive strategic direction and provide effective changes
The Towns Fund prospectus which details the guidelines set by Government is available here.
The Wakefield High Street Taskforce (often referred to as The Taskforce) played a key role in shaping the vision and strategy for the city centre. They created a Town Investment Plan and developed business cases for the towns deal projects. They continue to steer the regeneration in Wakefield and oversee the delivery of the Towns Fund projects.
Membership
Thomas Wales - Chairperson
Organisation: Wakefield BID
Job Title: Chief Executive
“I’m the Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, representing over 400 city centre businesses and organisations. Since taking up the role in 2024, I’ve championed initiatives that support the regeneration of Wakefield – driving forward projects that improve safety, enhance public spaces, and boost footfall across the city.
With a background in place leadership, events, and communications, I bring a strong understanding of how to create vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient city centres. I played a key role in launching Ey Up Wakefield – a new destination marketing platform – and Safer Wakefield, a partnership focused on tackling business crime and improving perceptions of safety.
I’m passionate about civic pride and delivering meaningful, long-lasting change. As Chair of the High Street Taskforce, I’m committed to supporting collaborative regeneration efforts and ensuring the voice of the local business community helps shape the future of Wakefield.”
Councillor Jack Hemmingway - Deputy Chairperson
Organisation: Wakefield Council
Job Title: Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Growth
Kevin Trickett MBE - Deputy Chairperson
Organisation: Wakefield Civic Society
Job Title: President
“After a career in the Civil Service, I now devote much of my time to charity work as well as speaking, writing and occasionally blogging about some of my favourite topics such as architecture, art deco, philosophy and travel.
I was elected as president of Wakefield Civic Society in 2002, a position I still hold, having first joined the Society’s committee in 1990. I am currently a member of a number of local committees, boards and groups and my other voluntary work in the city includes a role as Deputy Chair of arts charity Beam (2013-2019) and a seven-year stint as a trustee of the Community Foundation for Wakefield (2008-2015).
As a charity set up in Wakefield back in 1964, Wakefield Civic Society has campaigned for over 60 years to promote good architecture, town planning and design while also looking to ensure that the best of our city’s built heritage is retained.
I was born here and have lived in and around the city all my life. Over the years, I have seen many changes as Wakefield has evolved from regional capital and administrative centre into a place with a strong reputation for the visual and performing arts.
While we have a fascinating story to tell, with a history dating back over 1,000 years, I would like to think that we are also forward looking and ready to embrace changes that will help to unlock the city’s considerable potential, making it a truly great place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is seen by local people as a truly great place in which to live, work or run a business as well as being seen from further afield as a destination of choice for visitors”.
Darren Bailey
Organisation: Architecture 1B
Job Title: CIAT Accredited Conservationist
[Awaiting further information]
Dmitry Fedotov
Organisation: Youth Association
Job Title: CEO
[Awaiting further information]
Martin Hathaway
Organisation: Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Job Title: Managing Director
"I have worked in business support and regeneration in Yorkshire for 30 Years. As a chamber we represent, support and connect businesses across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
It is important for us to be a member of this Taskforce to ensure that a business view is represented. Our aim is to enable positive outcomes, including a sound economic footing for businesses to start and grow in the city.
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is a destination city for West Yorkshire."
Craig Higgins
Organisation: Packhorse Management Services Limited
Job Title: Marketing Director
"I am married and dad of 2 boys (cats), I like the arts, travelling and experiencing new things. I live and breathe design and all things creative.
The Ridings is the longest established shopping centre in the city and home to many different businesses, any of them, small, local independent businesses. We are proud of our heritage and our long-standing commitment to the city and local community.
I'm proud to come to work in the city, proud to be involved with so many city centre businesses, charities and local groups and I want the city to be the best it can be!
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is standing taller and prouder and competing with our neighbouring town and cities as Yorkshires number one destination to live, work and visit."
Philip Hobday
Organisation: Wakefield Cathedral
Job Title: Canon Missioner and Sub-Dean
[Awaiting further information]
Emma Hooks
Organisation: West Yorkshire Police
Job Title: Chief Inspector
[Awaiting further information]
Simon Lightwood MP
Organisation: UK Government
Job Title: Member of Parliament for Wakefield
[Awaiting further information]
Richard Low
Organisation: Orion Capital Managers
Job Title: Head of Asset Management
“I am a chartered surveyor with thirty years’ experience in retail and mixed-use town centre regeneration projects across the country. My company owns a high proportion of the city centre and we continue to invest significantly in Trinity Walk. Being part of the Town Deal Board will allow us to maximise our collective return on investment. In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is vibrant and prosperous”.
Mark Lynam
Organisation: Wakefield Council
Job Title: Corporate Director Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth
[Awaiting further information]
Katie Town
Organisation: Theatre Royal Wakefield
Job Title: Executive Director
“I am the Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, a Grade II* listed theatre by legendary architect Frank Matcham. I have led the theatre through a process of rapid creative and organisational change. As well as great live theatre, we are also proud to be at the heart of our community, delivering an engaging and diverse participation programme.
A vibrant high street is important for Wakefield and I am delighted to be part of this taskforce. Being at the heart of strategic discussions I am able to represent those who use the theatre, as well as the wider cultural sector. A flourishing city centre benefits everyone and we are pleased to play our part.
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is thriving and bustling city centre, with a vibrant arts and cultural sector continuing to provide life-changing opportunities to local residents.”
James White
Organisation: Trinity Walk Shopping Centre
Job Title: Centre Manager
“I am an experienced shopping centre manager who joined the Trinity Walk team at the end of April 24. I have experience of managing large teams in public spaces and endeavour to always be at the heart of community and stakeholder groups to help wherever I work be the very best that we can be.
Place management is fundamental to the experience we offer users of not just the shopping centre but the City in which we operate.
Wakefield is a great City and working together we can achieve much more than working as single businesses in a community. Wakefield is a great place.
A very nice city and Wakefield people have pride in place and care about where they live and work. Wakefield is so close to Leeds and much more affordable and I see people opting to live in Wakefield in the future and commuting to Leeds and choosing the live in Wakefield.
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is a pioneering city in the north of England”.
Tim Welton
Organisation: Williams & Co
Job Title: Partner
[Awaiting further information]
Sam Wright
Organisation: Principal and CEO
Job Title: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
[Awaiting further information]
Sue Young
Organisation: Vico Homes
Job Title: Executive Director of Homes and Growth
“I’m passionate about making sure we have vibrant communities to be proud of. With over 25 years’ experience in affordable housing investment and regeneration in and around the Wakefield district, I believe everyone deserves a place to feel at home.
Vico Homes own one in four front doors in the Wakefield district and is investing over £178m in improving our homes over the next three years (to 2028), prioritising the things our customers want. We’re also investing £300m in building new homes and are keen to work alongside Wakefield Council to deliver new housing in the Wakefield City Centre and beyond.
We know that home is more than four walls and a roof. It provides safety and security and creates a platform for people to thrive. Not only that, high-quality, affordable housing creates growth and opportunity for the district, something that’s important to all of us.
In 10 years’ time I hope Wakefield is a vibrant place where people choose to live and work and make the most of the cultural strengths and green spaces”.
How do I get involved?
Watch this space for news from Task Force meetings and information about future ways to get involved. If you have any comments or questions, please use the contact information below.
To view, our governance documents and Wakefield high street taskforce meeting minutes go to our Wakefield high street taskforce document library.
Contact Us
Regeneration Team Floor 2 Wakefield One Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2EB