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.