New creative hub in Wakefield takes shape

A property regeneration specialist is breathing new life into a collection of historic civic buildings as part of plans to create a vibrant new cultural and creative quarter in Wakefield city centre.

Rushbond has secured approval to transform the former Coroner’s Court on Northgate into a creative hub for artists, makers and small businesses.

The Grade II-listed building, which will be known as 71 Northgate, will provide flexible studio and enterprise space and forms part of the wider regeneration of Wakefield’s Civic Quarter, being delivered in partnership with Wakefield Council.

Located close to the city’s former Crown Court, the development is designed to complement the larger-scale cultural and events space planned for the neighbouring landmark building, which is currently undergoing restoration.

When complete, the former Crown Court, to be known as the Court House, will reopen to the public for the first time in more than 30 years, providing a destination for community events, workspaces and social activity.

Harry Braid, development surveyor at Rushbond, said: “The Court House is set to become Wakefield’s most vibrant new destination. 

“It will be a place where everyone belongs – from designers, local radio hosts, independent businesses – all collaborating in the studios; to families enjoying live theatre, music and markets in the Village Hall, all while sharing incredible food and drink. 

“The opportunity to breathe new life into this historic space, together with 71 Northgate is incredibly exciting.” 

The projects sit at the heart of a broader vision to restore historic buildings while bringing new homes, businesses and cultural opportunities into the city centre.

Elsewhere in the Civic Quarter, regeneration is already underway. 

The first phase of the Wood Street Collection, comprising 63 homes created through the restoration of former civic buildings and new housing, was completed last year.

Officials say the combined developments are helping create a thriving neighbourhood where heritage, culture, enterprise and city-centre living can flourish side by side.

Jonathan Maud, founder and chairman of Rushbond, added: “Wakefield has some remarkable historic buildings and they deserve to be restored with care, patience and high standards of design and craftsmanship. 

“Projects like the Court House and 71 Northgate are not everyday developments, they are once-in-a-generation opportunities to find sustainable new uses from buildings that have played an important role in the life of the city and aim to do so in the future.

“Our shared ambition for the Civic Quarter is to create something genuinely best in class in terms of build quality, design and the way these historic spaces are used by everyone in the community. 

“Wakefield deserves that level of attention and ambition, and we hope these projects help lift expectations for what is possible in this part of the city centre.”

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