Major civic quarter regeneration programme is unveiled
Proposals to breathe new life into historic buildings in Wakefield’s Civic Quarter, and to create modern housing are being presented to the public.
Yorkshire-based property developer, Rushbond, is consulting on the draft plans to enhance the Civic Quarter, bringing local landmarks, such as the Crown Courthouse and Old Police Station back into use, alongside new homes and open spaces.
At the centre of the proposals is the regeneration of the area’s historic buildings, with the development providing new contemporary housing.
A variety of homes are to be created, from new and converted apartments alongside new mews and town houses.
In addition, there are plans to bring the former Crown Courthouse back into public use as a community space with multiple uses, enabling people to meet, eat and work together.
Mark Finch, real estate director at Rushbond, said: “Our aim is for the Civic Quarter to be a neighbourhood that truly makes a difference: providing a range of new homes, to cater for different demands and budgets, and bringing landmark historic buildings back into use.
“All together this would create high quality, sustainable spaces for people to live, work and meet, adding vibrancy and vitality to Wood Street and the Civic Quarter area of the city centre.
“It is particularly important to us that this project is distinctively ‘Wakefield’ and we are really keen to hear what people think of the plans and ideas on how this project can be shaped to the wider benefit of this part of the city.”
Councillor Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economic growth and property, added: “The transformation of the Civic Quarter is an important part of the council’s plans to help breathe new life into this part of the city and ensure its stunning buildings are restored and transformed for future generations to enjoy.
“The regeneration and development of this key area of the city centre will offer new housing, community facilities and employment opportunities for our residents.
“These are exciting plans, which will help us to rebuild our district’s economy following the pandemic by bringing more people into the city centre to live, work and visit.
“They also form part of the emerging Wakefield Masterplan, which is being developed as a vision to shape the future of the city centre, and residents and businesses will have the opportunity to input ideas into the process that will guide future developments and support regeneration plans.”
People can find more information about the plans and share their views through the project website www.civicquarter.co.uk.
A public consultation will be open for comments between Friday 23 July and Thursday 12 August 2021.
