New look for Civic Quarter revealed
Thursday, March 21, 2024
The first image of how Wakefield’s Civic Quarter is set to be transformed has been revealed.
Wakefield Council, in partnership with property investment company, Rushbond, has released the first illustration of its ambitious regeneration plans for the area.
"We’re delighted that the hoardings have gone up and work will soon begin on the exciting re-development of this historic part of Wakefield city centre.
“It was wonderful to see the first illustrations of how it will all look once complete. It really will breathe new life into this part of the city and ensure its stunning buildings are restored and transformed for future generations to enjoy.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
“One of our most historic areas of Wakefield city centre is set to redeveloped as a place where people can live, work and socialise. It’s great to see work beginning on our ambitious plans.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
The scheme will feature 29 new two and three-bed townhouses complete with a community garden on the site of the former Rishworth Street and Gills Yard car parks. The first homes are set to be complete by mid-2025.
The city centre’s former police station will also be transformed into 33 distinctive one, two and three-bedroom heritage apartments alongside the conversion of Wood House into a large, four-storey residential property.
There are also plans to carefully convert the former Courthouse – a Grade II listed, 200-year-old building which has stood empty for more than 30 years – into a new cultural community space.
The plans, called the ‘Wood Street Collection’ will also feature new green landscaping and improved connectivity.
Hundreds of jobs are set to be created during the redevelopment.
James Dinsley, from Rushbond, said: “The name ‘Wood Street Collection’ was chosen as the scheme encompasses a series of distinct elements with their own individual identities, whether heritage or contemporary new build, in a complementary fashion creating an attractive and sustainable community with Wood Street at its heart.
“These homes will give a new generation of families and young people the opportunity to blend city centre living with Wakefield’s nationally recognised arts heritage and architectural beauty.”
The site hoardings have now been installed whilst initial works are beginning to take place, ahead of a programmed start on site in the summer.
