Over 200 new apartments to be built for residents of Wakefield tower blocks facing demolition

More than 200 apartments are to be built in Wakefield to accommodate residents who face losing their homes as part of a regeneration scheme.

Four 1960s high-rise flats blocks and The Ridings Shoppings Centre have been earmarked for demolition under Wakefield Council proposals to transform the city centre.

The local authority said residents of the flats, owned by social housing provider Vico Homes, would receive new accommodation on Kirkgate “if they choose to stay” in the city centre.

The scheme includes building homes on a site across the road from the tower blocks which was previously occupied by a Wilkos store and a cinema.

The new apartments form part of the first phase of the Cathedral Quarter project, which is expected to take up to 15 years to complete.

In February, residents of Manor House, Trinity House, Tudor House and Warren House were informed that their homes would be knocked down as part of the major development.

Mark Lynam, the council’s corporate director for regeneration, said: “The council’s commitment to supporting the Vico Homes customers living in the city centre has been our top priority from the start.

“Everyone who wants to stay will be able to.

“We’re now able to bring forward a site that’s just across the road from the existing homes so that these residents can remain in the heart of the city.

“The demolition of the former Wilko’s building is already complete, and the remaining buildings will come down this summer.

“Working with Vico Homes, we’ll do everything we can to bring these new homes to the city as quickly as possible.”

On Tuesday, the council finalised a deal to buy The Ridings from businessman Zahid Iqbal for an undisclosed sum.

Plans include demolishing the centre to build new homes, leisure facilities and event spaces.

The first phase of the project is being funded through £17.9m from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG).

The site allocated for the new homes was previously included in a masterplan for the city as the ‘Kirkgate innovative neighbourhood gateway.’

A number of properties, including the old ABC Cinema and former Wilkos store, have already been bulldozed.

The Harewood Arms, one of only a few Edwardian pubs left in the city, would remain in place as a “landmark building”, the council said.

A spokesperson for the authority added: “It’s a prime location for new housing that will unlock a key gateway into the city.

“The wider Cathedral Quarter project will see a range of sustainable affordable and private housing built, bringing more people into the city centre.”

The council also said it was continuing to work with Vico to agree project terms and keep residents informed.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted early next year following consultation with Vico customers and the wider community.

Sue Young, executive director of homes and growth for Vico, said: “We’re really pleased that Wakefield Council has secured a site for development of affordable homes so close to our existing apartments.

“We’re looking forward to working with the council to provide new, high-quality homes for our customers.”