First phase of regeneration scheme opens in Wakefield

THE first phase of a key regeneration project in Wakefield will be officially opened today by Lord St Oswald.

Phase One of the £100m mixed-use development of Wakefield’s historic waterfront features a mix of high quality offices and residential buildings as well as the Hepworth Wakefield, the new £26m new gallery and centre for creative arts, which is currently under construction.

It also offers new space for cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

Developers CTP St James are transforming the city’s historic waterfront into a mixed-use development of national significance for the 21st century.

Lord St Oswald will be joined at the official opening by the Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Jacqui Williams, and Coun Peter Box, the leader of Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council.

Roland Stross, director of developers CTP St James commented: “This has been an ambitious project, where we have received tremendous support from Wakefield Council, Yorkshire Forward, and the European Regional Development Fund.

“The first phase of this imaginative mixed-use scheme not only provides beautiful, unique river settings for commercial occupiers and residents, but also offers so much to Wakefield. We believe that our scheme adds a new dimension to the city’s urban renaissance.

“This phase has established the quality of our designs and has set out our ambition for the Waterfront, which is becoming a new part of the city with its own unique character and ambiance – much like our award-winning Round Foundry in Leeds. This neglected part of the city is being transformed and is becoming a truly wonderful, invigorating and stimulating place to live, work and spend time.”