Landmark Cathedral Quarter plans given green light
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The proposals to transform Wakefield’s Cathedral Quarter have been given the green light after Cabinet reconfirmed its commitment to deliver the landmark regeneration project.
At the meeting, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth addressed the concerns raised by the Overview and Scrutiny meeting last week.
“This decision has been through a robust democratic process. We welcome the challenge and scrutiny that raised some constructive suggestions.
“At the heart of this are our city centre residents and businesses. We’ve been clear from the outset that any tenants from the flats who wish to stay in the city centre will be able to do so. Those who own their properties will be rightly compensated. That’s a cast iron guarantee.
“We will work directly with businesses. And I want to make it very clear – we want our thriving businesses to stay. We need them, if we are to have a vibrant city.”
Cllr Jack Hemingway
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
Questions were also raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee around funding for the subsequent phases of the development. Wakefield Council has secured £17.9m from government to acquire the shopping centre and kick-start the first phase of the project.
Wakefield Council’s Strategic Regeneration Partner, Muse, will lead this project. Muse bring with them extensive experience and knowledge of the funding landscape. The Council also has the support of other partners like MHCLG, Homes England and The West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
At the meeting it was confirmed that future funding will be secured using the standard funding model for large regeneration schemes. Acquiring The Ridings would give the Council control of a significant piece of the Cathedral Quarter site. Providing investors with the necessary confidence in the project and creating an investable proposition to attract further funding.
Today’s determination is the final part of the democratic process for the decision. The next step for the ambitious proposals is the completion of the due diligence ahead of acquisition. And the start of a major consultation, that will span the remainder of 2026.
Consultation will take place in three stages. The first phase will start later this Spring.
Cllr Hemingway said: “One of the most crucial parts of the project can now get underway later this Spring. The vision we first shared in February is just the starting point. The voices of our residents and businesses are needed to shape this and help us develop a new future for this part of the city.”
At the meeting Cllr Hemingway also confirmed that the practical suggestions from Scrutiny will be considered as part of the consultation, including those around safety and disabled parking. As well as the desire for an indoor space for small businesses and independents.
Cllr Hemingway added: “Sometimes as leaders we have to take the difficult decisions now, that are in the best long-term interests of the city and the district.
“City centres must change if they are to survive in a changing world and create a long-term sustainable future. Doing nothing, or tinkering around the edges, is simply not an option.
Primark and M&S are leaving whether we act or not and the repercussions for The Ridings will be devastating. Future generations would not forgive us if we were to turn aside now.
“The Cathedral Quarter proposal gives us an incredible opportunity to allow Wakefield to unlock its next chapter and secure our city’s future.”
A recording of the meeting can be watched again at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/your-district/cabinet-meeting-17-