Site of new homes for Ridings residents revealed

Residents whose homes are to be demolished as part of plans to regenerate a shopping centre in Wakefield will be offered new properties across the road, the council has said.

Four 1960s high-rise flats blocks will be knocked down as well as The Ridings shopping centre under proposals to transform the city centre.

Wakefield Council said more than 200 apartments would be built on the site of the former Wilkinson's store just 328ft (100m) away from the current tower blocks.

Mark Lynam, the council's corporate director for regeneration, said residents of the flats, owned by social housing provider Vico Homes, would receive new accommodation on Kirkgate "if they choose to stay" in the city centre.

The new apartments form part of the first phase of the Cathedral Quarter project, which is expected to take up to 15 years to complete.

In February, residents of Manor House, Trinity House, Tudor House and Warren House were informed that their homes would be knocked down as part of the major development.

Terri Gibson, who has lived in Tudor House for 41 years, said it was "fantastic" the council had kept the community together but that she was "disappointed" she would be living "in the middle of a building site".

"Once they start demolishing there will be so much dirt, debris, probably asbestos and it's going to be on our doorstep," she said.

"It's nice that it's central but it's going to be in the middle of a building site for 10 to 15 years."

Mark Lynam, the council's corporate director for regeneration, said the authority's commitment to supporting those living in the flats had been "our top priority from the start."

He added: "Everyone who wants to stay will be able to.

"We're now able to bring forward a site that's just across the road from the existing homes so that these residents can remain in the heart of the city."

Lynam said the demolition of the former Wilko's store had already been completed and the remaining buildings would come down in the summer.

The Harewood Arms, one of only a few Edwardian pubs left in the city, would remain in place as a "landmark building", the council said.

On Tuesday, the authority finalised a deal to buy The Ridings from businessman Zahid Iqbal for an undisclosed sum.

Plans include demolishing the centre to build new homes, leisure facilities and event spaces.

The council said it was continuing to work with Vico to agree project terms and keep residents informed.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted early next year following consultation with Vico customers and the wider community.

Sue Young, executive director of homes and growth for Vico, said: "We're really pleased that Wakefield Council has secured a site for development of affordable homes so close to our existing apartments.

"We're looking forward to working with the council to provide new, high-quality homes for our customers."

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