The first phase proposals to demolish the shopping centre and develop it have been underwritten by almost £18m of government funding
Muse has been named as the developer to lead on the proposed demolition and redevelopment of The Ridings Shopping centre in Wakefield.
The Cathedral Quarter redevelopment plans include the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes, a public square, library, and museum.
The development plans, described by Wakefield Council as the biggest transformation of the city centre for 40 years, are slated to take place over 10-15 years.
The first phase plans will be voted on by the Cabinet on 17th February.
If approved, the first phase of the development will be funded through £17.9m of Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government funding.
The funding will cover the acquisition of The Ridings and will go towards the development of planning applications and other costs.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city centre, with Government funding ready and available to kick start the first phase,” said Cllr Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s deputy leader.
“The Cathedral Quarter redevelopment is the bold move our city needs to thrive. It is critical that we make a big, fundamental change now to give Wakefield the future it deserves.”
A management company will be appointed to continue to run The Ridings centre until its redevelopment.
Included in the Cathedral Quarter footprint are some of the nearby 1960s residential tower blocks, currently owned by Vico Homes.
The first phase development plans would see these replaced by around 200 modern, sustainable homes for Vico Homes residents.
Muse has led on the development plans as Wakefield Council’s strategic development partner.
Simon Dew, director of development management at Muse, said: “The challenges that the city centre is facing are happening in many areas up and down the country as shopping habits change and former retail areas need to be repurposed. These bold plans are exactly the right thing to do for the long-term sustainable future of Wakefield.
“Our proposals to deliver residential, leisure and commercial accommodation in the Cathedral Quarter will act as a major catalyst for this part of the city centre. Bringing more people into Wakefield and driving economic activity for the city.
“We have significant experience of making visions like this a reality. This is the right direction and the right time for us to work with Wakefield to make it happen.”
If Wakefield Council approves the plans at the cabinet meeting next week, there will be a public consultation.
Today, Muse also confirmed its plans to transform Mell Square in Solihull, including up to 1,600 homes, retail, and new public spaces, has been approved by Solihull Council. It has been working with Solihull Council since 2023 on the Holbeche Place scheme, with demolition work in central Solihull expected to start soon.
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