New approach put forward for managing Council property and land
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Wakefield Council's Cabinet is set to consider a fresh approach to managing our extensive local estate.
“We need to invest money properly into the buildings and facilities that deliver high-quality public services for our residents.
“For too long the Council has retained hundreds of assets with no clear plan for what we’re going to do with this vast estate. Local taxpayers want to know that every penny of money the Council spends makes a difference to their lives, not that it’s wasted on maintaining buildings we don’t need anymore.
“We’re taking decisive action to sell buildings that have reached the end of their life. Are no longer fit for purpose. Or simply do not offer good value for money.
“There won’t be any more dither and delay. We’ve seen from the deterioration of County Hall what a big impact inaction can have on our budget. We’re going to make decisive decisions so that our estate is fit for the future and use any money we generate to reinvest in the services that matter most to our communities.”
Cllr John Thomas
Cabinet Member for Resources and Property
The Council currently holds more than 1,600 assets across the district, covering over 35 million square metres. The equivalent of almost 5,000 football pitches. These assets include historic buildings such as Wakefield's County Hall, as well as libraries, leisure centres, museums, modern office accommodation and development sites.
The proposed strategy would see more focussed investment in the buildings and facilities residents rely on every day. As well as taking decisive action to sell buildings that are no longer required or fit for purpose. With money generated being reinvested into services and other assets.
The Council’s Cabinet will be discussing the new approach at its meeting on Tuesday 22 September at 5.30pm.
The meeting can be watched live or later on the Council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@WakefieldCouncilWMDC/streams