Wakefield Council agrees to buy Ridings shopping centre to make way for major regeneration
The shopping centre is set to be knocked down - to make way for a new vision for the city centre
Senior councillors have agreed to buy The Ridings shopping centre in Wakefield to make way for major regeneration of the city centre.
The Labour-run authority plans to demolish the ageing mall to build new homes, leisure facilities and spaces for events as part of a project which is expected to take more than a decade to complete.
The scheme also involves bulldozing a number of 1960s residential tower blocks as part of the creation of a new ‘Cathedral Quarter.’
Jack Hemingway, the council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, told a meeting on Tuesday: “This is an historic moment for Wakefield.
“It’s an important decision for the long term future and prosperity of our city.
“These initial proposals set out the vision for a once in a generation opportunity to transform Wakefield city centre with grant funding from government and a strong regeneration partnership to deliver it.”
The first phase of the project is being funded through £17.9m from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG),
Coun Hemingway continued: “It will bring leisure, opportunities for hospitality, green space, much needed housing, and help to restore the city’s heritage and character with improved connectivity.
“It will restore our cathedral to its rightful place at the heart of the city as part of a beautiful new public square.
“The rationale for this is clear – must address the decline of our urban spaces.
“This is what the city needs if it is to thrive in a changing world.
“What was once one of our greatest assets is now holding us back.
“If the evidence of our own eyes is not enough, we must listen to the economists who say the quality of the urban environment is limiting not just the city but the district’s potential.
“The Ridings has been a much-loved part of our city for many years.
“But times change. Our city must change too.”
The council previously planned to buy the 1980s-built centre but backed out of making a deal in December 2022.
The centre was then bought by Yorkshire-based businessman Zahid Iqbal.
Last month, Marks & Spencer announced it would be moving out of The Ridings and opening a new food hall on the outskirts of the city centre.
It is also understood that Primark plans to relocate from the centre to another part of the city later this year.
Coun Hemingway said: “Without significant anchors, footfall and income will collapse.
“This isn’t just speculation, it’s happened to shopping centres around the country.
“The current owner has tried many new things to try to make the centre work, but even he has described it as like owning the Titanic.”
Coun Hemingway said the council was required to commit to spending around £8m of the government funding before the end of March this year
He said: “We cannot ignore this.
“We cannot put our heads in the sand and wish away the truth
“For the sake of our city and future generations we must act.
“It is the right and proper course of action for us to bring forward these proposals today to address this decline before it becomes terminal – before The Ridings sinks.
“A city cannot stay frozen in time. Nostalgia will not sustain the jobs and homes of the future.”
Opposition councillors were permitted to address the meeting before the proposals were approved.
They urged cabinet members to delay making a decision and instead apply to the government for permission to extend the spending deadline.
Samantha Havery, Reform councillor for Wakefield Rural ward, said: “In six weeks time you want to seal the deal. You can’t even sell a house in six weeks.
“Why the rush? It’s because the elections are coming on May 7. The timing is not good.
“Your record of regeneration is not good enough for the people of Wakefield.”
Rachel Speak, Liberal Democrat councillor for Knottingley, said: “It’s not a routine decision.
“It’s a major financial commitment, using public money at a time when both the council and residents are significantly under pressure.
“I’m concerned about the urgency being attached to the proposal.
“Good governance cannot be dictated by artificial deadlines.”