Plans for city centre hotel take a step forward
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Work is expected to start on building a brand-new hotel in the city centre in 2027.
ION Property Developments Limited will deliver a hotel on the site of the former Westgate station, next to Wakefield Westgate railway station, to help meet growing demand from visitors and business travellers.
“This is a big step forward for our city’s growth. We want to give people the opportunity to stay for longer and enjoy everything Wakefield has to offer. It will help create new jobs and bring more people into our district. That’s great news for our businesses and the local economy.”
Cllr Matthew Pinder
Cabinet Member for District Regneration and Regional Growth
Delivery of a mid-range hotel in the city centre is expected to boost tourism and contribute to our growing visitor economy. And the provision of at least 110 rooms near the East Coast Main Line - with short journey times to Leeds - is also expected to attract business stays to Wakefield.
To support the hotel development, up to £8 million has been provided from the Local Regeneration Fund to make the scheme financially deliverable.
ION Property Developments Limited has more than 30 years of experience working with Councils to deliver transformational urban regeneration projects across the UK in locations including Liverpool, Wirral, Wolverhampton, and Denbighshire.
If approved by Cabinet, ION will undertake site investigations, complete outstanding design work, and submit a planning application in Spring 2027. Work is likely to start on site in Summer 2027, with the hotel expected to open its doors to customers in Winter 2028-29.
Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 20 October at 5.30pm. Watch the meeting live or later at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilikhJ0zt3272-X321ObPci8srBgmT2e