Cathedral Quarter Transformation
This is a really exciting moment for our city. The Cathedral Quarter project will be the biggest change Wakefield has seen since The Ridings was built in the 1970s.
Back then, The Ridings faced a lot of criticism. Many people were unsure it was the right move. But bold, forward‑thinking decisions turned it into a major asset for the city for many years.
Now, with traditional retail declining across the country, it’s clear things can’t stay the same. City centres need to evolve to survive, and this project is an important part of making sure the city continues to thrive and grow.
We’re now at another pivotal point in Wakefield’s story.
The decisions being made today will transform the area once again. Securing a bright, sustainable future for generations to come.
The Cathedral Quarter project will:
Create a vibrant new city district everyone can be proud of
Deliver new homes to meet growing demand
Increase footfall to support independent businesses
Boost population and demand for services, including leisure and hospitality – attracting new inward investment
Introduce new public outdoor spaces
Strengthen the local economy and create jobs
The Future of The Ridings and Wakefield City Centre
The Ridings Shopping Centre opened in 1983 and was a big success for Wakefield. It won multiple awards and was a popular place to shop for many years. But from the late 1990s, people started shopping in different ways. The rise of online shopping meant fewer visitors came to The Ridings.
The number of shops and customers kept falling. The COVID19 pandemic made things even harder for retailers across the country.
Even with new investment, The Ridings did not recover.
The Council has set out a fresh vision for the city, with new homes, better leisure options, and lively public spaces.
In 2025, the Council appointed Muse as its regeneration partner. Muse has lots of experience delivering successful, large-scale redevelopment projects across the UK.
Working in partnership with MUSE, the Council continues to bring its vision for the future of the city to life.
What does this mean for local businesses
Wakefield Council will buy The Ridings and hire a specialist company to run it until all remaining shops have moved out. When the building is empty, The Ridings will close and be demolished.
The Council will also buy some of the other nearby buildings. Most will be bought through agreement, but Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) may be used if needed. These buildings will also be demolished, creating one large site ready for redevelopment.
The footprint of the Cathedral Quarter project now includes the area around the end of Bread Street, opposite the Cathedral. Already earmarked as a new Cathedral Square, it now forms part of the bigger Cathedral Quarter site. Creating an opportunity to enhance plans for this area and make sure all the space ties together. Meeting the needs of the city now and in the future.
The Council will be moving forward with the demolition of the 1970s office and shop buildings which are now vacant.
The new proposals for this space will be available for everyone to share their views as part Wakefield Council’s Cathedral Quarter engagement which launches in March.
Why Change Is Needed
Changes in how people are choosing to shop means The Ridings can no longer operate successfully as a shopping centre. Both the Council and the current owner agree that selling the site and redeveloping it is the best option for the future of this part of the city.
Wakefield’s excellent transport links to Leeds, London, and other nearby cities make it a great choice for people who want all the benefits of city living, while enjoying easy commutes.
It's important we continue to attract more people into the city. This new project will provide the opportunities needed to help this part of the city prosper and grow.
A Government Funded Transformation
The first phase is being funded through £17.9 million of Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government (MHCLG). This covers the acquisition of The Ridings, as well as contributing towards the extensive costs of completing this first phase including the development of planning applications, grant funding, business cases and wider resources. The cost to buy The Ridings reflects independent commercial advice on its market value. The redevelopment will help Wakefield by:
The redevelopment will help Wakefield by:
Creating a new, vibrant city centre community
Providing modern homes for more people
Bringing more visitors into the city
Supporting local shops and businesses
Creating jobs and new investment
Improving how people move around the city
Boosting the local economy
Delivering the Project
The project will be delivered using a phased approach over a 10 -15-year period.
Muse will lead on planning and project management.
The Cathedral Quarter project will need planning permission and will also involve lots of public engagement.
Supporting Businesses
This project aims to attract more investment and new business to the city – not reduce it.
The Council’s Business Support team will help existing retailers find new premises in the city and provide a range of services to affected retailers.
Next Steps
If approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 17 February 2026, the formal purchase of The Ridings will begin.
After this:
Public engagement events will take place in the city centre and online
Regular updates will be shared with residents and businesses
All affected tenants and property owners will be contacted directly and kept informed