Consent secured to turn former fire station into homes

Plans to transform the former Pontefract fire station into 37 homes – to be offered at an affordable rent – have been approved by Wakefield Council.

The proposals form part of a joint effort by house builder and landlord WDH and the council to ensure the delivery of additional affordable housing in the district.

Other partnership projects include the development of new affordable housing on the site of the former Chantry House building in Kirkgate, Wakefield.

The Pontefract plan housing scheme is part of the delivery of Wakefield Council’s Reconnecting Pontefract Masterplan.

Sue Young, WDH’s executive director of investment, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Wakefield Council to deliver affordable housing.

“This new project is part of the Pontefract Masterplan that will transform Pontefract town centre and make a difference to people’s lives.

“These new apartments will enhance the area, providing more local people with a range of affordable, modern living options which will appeal to families and professionals alike.”

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am delighted to be working with WDH to support their plans to create new, quality and affordable homes on the site of the former Pontefract fire station.

“This is a great project which will enable future residents to enjoy wonderful new homes, built to high standards.

“As a council, we are highly-focused on creating good quality homes for the future, built to high standards that meet our residents’ needs.

“Everyone should have access to a warm, safe, dry and healthy home that they can afford.”

The project, as part of the Pontefract Masterplan includes proposals for the redevelopment of priority areas around Pontefract town centre in order to better connect the historic town centre with the Castle, Racecourse and new leisure hub.

The former fire station site will be part of a gateway to the town and will become new, three-storey apartments delivered by Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction.

Caddick Construction’s director of housing, Richard Greenwood, said: “It’s great news that planning has been granted and the team can now move forward in turning the former fire station into much-needed quality apartments for the town.

“The site has so much potential and it’s really sustainable being within walking distance of the town centre amenities and shops, as well as the train and bus stations for commuters.

“It’s our first scheme with both WDH & Efficiency North and we’re excited to get started.”

The properties will all be available for affordable rent from WDH and are a precursor to the wider regeneration of the Horsefair area of Pontefract. The homes will be developed using £1,665,000 funding from the Homes England Wave 2 programme.

Work will begin on site in October 2021 and will be due for completion by December 2022.

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