Additional investment proposed to protect Wakefield's historic County Hall
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet members will be asked to approve additional investment to carry out essential repairs and maintenance to County Hall.
Significant funding is needed to make the building weathertight, protecting it from damage caused by wind and rain, and helping to secure its long-term future and safety.
“County Hall sits at the heart of Wakefield’s Civic Quarter and should be a historic asset that our city – and whole region – can be proud of.
“Instead, we’ve inherited a building which has been left in a state of neglect. What could have been more minor work a few years ago is now a major investment just to protect the building and make sure that it remains safe.
“Without these repairs, County Hall’s condition will only continue to get worse. This costly work could have been managed better if the Council had taken the decisions that it needed to much earlier.
“We’re not going to duck difficult decisions. We’re going to act now to avoid higher costs in years to come, to preserve this important part of our heritage, and to make sure County Hall has a viable future. That’s what’s right for local taxpayers and to help safeguard Wakefield’s history.”
Cllr John Thomas
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Property
Issues with roof leaks and damp were identified in 2019 but, although refurbishment options were considered at the time, they did not go ahead. Since then, the condition of the building has continued to deteriorate, with the leaks worsening. Surveys have also identified that areas of the building are structurally unsafe.
The Council has explored all opportunities to access external funding and grants to help meet the costs of the work, but no suitable funding is available for the current works. Grants may however be accessible once the work is completed and further options are explored for future use.
At the Cabinet meeting on 21 July, senior Councillors will be asked to agree £8.3m to replace the roof and undertake repairs to windows and masonry.
If agreed, the money will come directly from the sale of Council assets and will be on top of the £5.9m budget already approved for renovation work. This will bring the total investment in County Hall to £14.2m.
County Hall dates back to 1898 and is a Grade I listed building. Only 2.5% of listed buildings in the UK are categorised as Grade I, meaning that Historic England considers it to be of exceptional architectural or historic interest. If the proposed repairs are not carried out, the Council risks facing enforcement action by Historic England, as well costs arising from further deterioration.
Parts of the ground floor and basement remain in use, along with the Council Chamber, which is regularly used for meetings, but the building has been largely unoccupied since COVID. The Council is exploring various options for its future use. Feasibility works has shown hotel, or residential accommodation would not be viable. It could be developed for other purposes, such as public use or managed workspaces.
The Cabinet meeting will take place on Tuesday 21 July at 5.30pm. The meeting can be watched live or later on the Council’s YouTube channel.