The Ridings shopping centre and high-rise flats to be demolished in ‘bold new vision’ for Wakefield
Wakefield Council looks set to buy the ageing mall to make way for a “vibrant new quarter”
Major plans have been revealed to demolish The Ridings shopping centre in Wakefield as part of a “bold new vision” for the city.
Wakefield Council looks set to buy the ageing mall to make way for a “vibrant new quarter” to include new homes, leisure facilities and spaces for events.
The scheme also involves bulldozing a number of 1960s residential tower blocks as part of the transformation of the so-called Cathedral Quarter.
Jack Hemingway, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We have a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city centre, with government funding ready and available to kick start the first phase.
“The Cathedral Quarter redevelopment is the bold move our city needs to thrive.
“It is critical that we make a big, fundamental change now to give Wakefield the future it deserves.”
The council said the regeneration scheme would take place in stages over ten to 15 years.
The first phase of the project is being funded through £17.9m from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG).
The amount covers the acquisition of the shopping centre as well as the costs of “planning applications, grant funding, business cases and wider resources.”
The sum paid for the centre has not been disclosed, but a spokesperson for the council said the figure “reflects independent commercial advice on its market value.”
The council’s cabinet members are expected to agree to the first stage of the plan at a meeting on February 17.
The local authority previously planned to buy the centre but backed out of making a deal in December 2022.
The centre was then bought by Yorkshire-based businessman Zahid Iqbal.
New proposals for the Ridings site now include a public square, library, museum, cinema, green spaces and “extensive” car parking.
The announcement comes after Marks & Spencer said last month that 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: “We don’t underestimate the strength of feeling about The Ridings.
“It’s been a huge part of our city and once helped to put us on the map.
“But that is not the shopping centre you see now.
“Like many high streets across the county, it has faced significant challenges due to the rise of online retail, decline in footfall and has struggled to return to its former levels of activity.
“The departure of M&S and Primark relocating elsewhere in the city is a hammer blow to The Ridings.
“Over recent months we stepped up our discussions with Mr Iqbal and we’re pleased to be working with him to seize this opportunity for a new future for Wakefield.
“City centres must change to survive and create a long-term, sustainable future.
“It is time to be bold and make this change now to create a city that attracts more investment and jobs, and a city that everyone is proud to call home.”
A management company is expected to be appointed to continue to run the centre until it is redeveloped.
The council said businesses currently operating in The Ridings would receive support.
Centre owner Mr Iqbal said: “The Ridings has been a key part of the city for over 40 years and I am proud to have been a part of that.
“But now it is time for change.
“These plans are in the best interests for the future of the city and I really hope everyone gets behind these bold plans for Wakefield.”
Included in the Cathedral Quarter footprint are some of the high-rise blocks currently owned by social housing provider Vico Homes, formerly Wakefield District Housing.
The plans would see them replaced by 200 homes for Vico residents in the first phase of redevelopment.
The council also said it was working closely with the company to make sure residents are supported.
Coun Hemingway added: “Supporting our existing businesses alongside attracting new investment is an absolute priority.
“Businesses whose current sites would be impacted still have a future in our city.
“If they want to stay in Wakefield, they will be supported to stay when the time comes.
“We’re also prioritising everyone who calls the city home.
“Working closely with Vico Homes, we’re committed to providing that support – the first phase of redevelopment will prioritise their new homes.”
Development of the project has been led by Muse, the council’s strategic regeneration partner.
The company has a history of delivering regeneration projects in the city, including the Wakefield One council headquarters building, alongside offices, leisure and residential accommodation.
Coun Hemingway continued: “We now have both the funding to buy The Ridings and the specialist development expertise we need to kickstart work to bring this vision to life.
“Muse has a proven track record of successfully delivering here in Wakefield and similar projects all over the country.
“They bring with them extensive experience and knowledge of the funding landscape and we have the support of other partners like MHCLG, Homes England and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“The pieces are in place to make this happen.”
Simon Dew, director of development management at Muse, said: “The challenges that the city centre is facing are happening in many areas up and down the country as shopping habits change and former retail areas need to be repurposed.
“These bold plans are exactly the right thing to do for the long-term sustainable future of Wakefield.
“Our proposals to deliver residential, leisure and commercial accommodation in the Cathedral Quarter will act as a major catalyst for this part of the city centre.
“We have significant experience of making visions like this a reality.
“This is the right direction and the right time for us to work with Wakefield to make it happen.”