Leisure plans for shopping centre unveiled

Sovereign Centros and Orion Capital Partners have submitted plans for a 45,000 sq ft leisure extension at Trinity Walk shopping centre in Wakefield.

The redevelopment of the Market Hall site, which will be known as Trinity Walk Leisure, will include a nine-screen cinema to be operated by The Light cinema group and up to eight new restaurants and cafes, a landscaped public space and an improved entrance from the bus station.

Sovereign Centros director Max La Frenais said: “Our plans will deliver an exciting new leisure destination on the site of the Market Hall.  Our research shows that the mix of uses will bring new spending into the city centre that will benefit new and existing retail and restaurant businesses.   The research also shows that there is capacity for a second cinema in the city centre.

“We are delighted to have now submitted the application to the Council and, subject to them granting planning permission, we hope to start construction of Trinity Walk Leisure as soon as possible.

“It is clearly essential for the city that a vibrant use is found for this important site at the gateway to Wakefield city centre as quickly as possible and we believe that Trinity Walk Leisure will deliver just that.”

Trinity Walk Leisure will be the next major phase of regeneration in Wakefield city centre following successful projects including The Hepworth, Wakefield One and Trinity Walk itself.   

Cllr Denise Jeffery, cabinet member for economic growth and skills at Wakefield Council, said: “I welcome the submission of a planning application for this new development as a new cinema and restaurant would be excellent additions to the city centre.

“It is very positive that Sovereign Centros and the owners of the Trinity Walk Shopping Centre want to invest in the city.

“Feedback from a consultation with residents has told us that this type of development would bring more people into the city centre, particularly in the evening. We believe it will also boost the daytime economy, and bring more jobs and investment into the district.

“The planning application will be advertised, consulted upon and representations invited from members of the public.  All representations received will be taken into account and the application will be determined, taking into account relevant planning policy guidance and procedures.”