Big Changes Are Coming To Wakefield: Here’s What’s Happening

Ever walk through the city centre and think, 'You know what, this place has so much potential'? Well, it looks like someone at Wakefield Council has been thinking the same thing, because some seriously big changes are on the way. They've announced some ambitious plans to give the city centre a proper glow-up, and they’re not doing it alone. This isn't just about a quick lick of paint; we're talking about a major project designed to transform the Wakefield city centre for everyone.

So, what's the big idea?

Okay, so here’s the gist. On 15 July 2025, Wakefield Council announced that it’s teaming up with a company called Muse. Muse are 'regeneration' specialists. Think of them as the expert team you bring in when you want to do a massive, life-changing renovation, but for a whole city centre. This new partnership is all about getting things moving forward, and fast.

The main goal is to kickstart the delivery of what they're calling the City Centre Masterplan. It sounds a bit grand, but really it just means they have a big, coordinated strategy to make Wakefield a better place to live, work, and hang out. The work is starting with two key areas: the Cathedral Quarter and Borough Road. This partnership is the first step in a much bigger plan to bring new life into the city. The council is focused on the future and ensuring these ambitious plans become a reality for the people of Wakefield.

Meet the team making it happen

Any big project needs a solid team, and this one is a partnership between the public sector (the Council) and private experts (Muse). The idea is that by working together, they can achieve more than they could alone. It means bigger, better plans and a faster delivery timeline. Getting the right people involved from the start is key to this kind of large-scale work.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, who is the Leader of Wakefield Council and also chairs this new Strategic Regeneration Partnership, is really passionate about the project. She explained the vision:

“We want to attract more people to live, work, and visit Wakefield city centre, taking advantage of our tremendous potential.

“Building on the projects we already have planned, we are focusing on creating more high-quality, affordable homes to promote city centre living. On increasing footfall and the amount of time people spend in our city to help businesses to thrive. On enhancing our leisure offer and the quality of our buildings. And on taking advantage of our unrivalled connectivity – including to Leeds and London – promoting Wakefield’s fantastic location and transport links.

“This is all about looking forward and investing in our city now so that people and businesses have more reasons to come into our city centre. And future generations can be proud to call the Wakefield district home.”

Basically, she's saying they want to make the city centre so good that more people will want to build their lives here, which is great news for local businesses and the whole community. This is all about planning for the future.

What's actually going to change?

Right, let's get down to the details. What does this 'regeneration' actually look like on the ground? The plans are still being developed, but the initial focus is on the Cathedral Quarter and Borough Road. The collaboration with Muse will shape the strategy for these areas and beyond.

Here are some of the things they’re looking at:

• More Green Spaces: Imagine more parks and leafy squares where you can sit and have your lunch or meet up with friends. Making the city greener is a big priority.
• Better Connections: Making it easier to walk or cycle around key areas, like from the centre down to the Wakefield Waterfront. No more weirdly long routes to get somewhere that's just around the corner.
• New Homes: The plan includes bringing more high-quality, affordable homes into the city centre. This is perfect for people who want to be where the action is. More homes mean more life in the city, day and night.
• A Boost for Businesses: By making the city a more attractive place, the aim is to increase 'footfall'—that’s just the number of people walking about. More people means more customers for our local shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s all about supporting our businesses and encouraging economic growth.
• Leisure and Fun: It's not all about shops. The plans aim to improve the leisure on offer, getting the right balance between places to shop and places to have fun.

This is just the start. Other projects are already in the pipeline, like a new hotel near Westgate Station and more housing in the Kirkgate area. And you know the old Wilkinsons building? The plan is for its demolition to start in late 2025 to make way for something new. These ambitious plans are truly starting to take shape.

Making it work for everyone

One of the coolest things about this whole project is the focus on the local community. The Council and Muse are clear that they want these plans to reflect what the people of Wakefield actually want. They're not just going to build a load of stuff without asking anyone.

Cllr Jack Hemingway, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, stressed this point:

“Getting these plans right from the outset is really important. We’re aiming to make it easier to get around the city and improve access to key places like Wakefield Waterfront. To create more green spaces for people to enjoy. And to plan for the future of our economy, getting the balance right between retail and leisure and attracting good quality jobs.

“That’s why we’re working with Muse – who have a great track record of delivering transformational regeneration projects across the country. By working in partnership we can drive forward ambitious plans more quickly and on a bigger scale. And make sure we talk to our local communities every step of the way so that plans reflect what you want from our city centre.”

Simon Dew, a director at Muse, added that they are excited to be part of the city’s next chapter:

“Wakefield is a city ready for its next chapter – and we're excited to be part of the team helping to unlock its potential. The developments at Cathedral Quarter and Borough Road will drive real economic growth, attract new investment, and create the kind of homes, jobs, and public spaces that support thriving local communities.

"With decades of experience delivering regeneration that lasts, and extends beyond bricks and mortar, we’re looking forward to working closely with Wakefield Council to realise our shared ambition.

"The Partnership’s plans are truly transformative and will help shape a city centre that’s greener, better connected, and full of opportunity for residents across Wakefield and the wider borough.

"We’re proud to bring our placemaking expertise to this partnership and look forward to collaborating not only with council, local people and businesses, but with the wider network of regional stakeholders who are playing a vital role in shaping the future of this great city."

What happens next and how you can get involved

This is all very exciting, but it's not happening overnight. These are big, long-term plans. The first official step is a discussion at the Wakefield Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 10.30am. A 'Cabinet' meeting is where the council's senior members make key decisions. The good news is you can watch it live online to see the discussion for yourself.

After that, more detailed proposals will be drawn up and shared with the Cabinet later in the year. And most importantly, all these plans will go through public consultation. That means you will get a chance to have your say, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our city. The council will be tracking feedback to make sure the final delivery reflects what people want.

As Cllr Jeffery said, it's about creating a city to be proud of. And with this new partnership and clear vision, the future for the Wakefield city centre is looking pretty bright.