The Ridings: Date set for shopping centre demolition scrutiny hearing
A date has been set for a scrutiny committee hearing over Wakefield Council’s decision to buy and demolish The Ridings shopping centre.
The authority’s regeneration overview and scrutiny committee has taken the rare step of “calling in” plans to flatten the ageing mall to make way for a multimillion-pound regeneration project.
Cabinet members on the Labour-run authority previously voted to buy the centre as part of a scheme expected to take more than a decade to complete.
Following approval of the plans last month, ten opposition councillors submitted a formal request for them to be re-examined over claims there had been a lack of public consultation.
Scrutiny committees have seldom used powers to refer decisions back to cabinet for reconsideration, setting out in writing the nature of members’ concerns.
A meeting to consider the decision will now be held on March 11 after committee chair Stuart Heptinstall agreed to the request.
A report said: “A key function of overview and scrutiny is to hold the executive/cabinet to account for the discharge of its functions.
“One of the principal elements of this is the scrutinising of decisions taken by cabinet.”
Jack Hemingway, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, has been invited to attend the meeting along with senior officers.
Liberal Democrat councillor Rachel Speak, who proposed the call-in, has also been invited to address the committee.
Opposition councillors previously claimed the project would pose a “financial risk” for the authority.
They said: “The potential for a funding gap between demolition and redevelopment has not been adequately scrutinised.”
The first phase of the Cathedral Quarter project is being funded through £17.9m from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government.
Councillors also said there was “no mention” of The Ridings scheme in the authority’s capital and investment strategy for the 2026-27 financial year.
The request stated: “The cabinet has failed to address the significant public outcry due to the lack of consultation prior to this decision.
“Residents and business owners and wider community affected by the project have expressed shock and anger over the council’s governance, calling for transparency and accountability.”
It added: “There is no evidence that a comprehensive renovation model was fully costed as an alternative to total demolition.”
Coun Hemingway previously said: “We welcome the opportunity to present this to overview and scrutiny.
“These committees act as a vital check and balance within local government.
“The Cathedral Quarter vision paves the way for the biggest transformation in this part of the city for over 40 years.
“It’s absolutely right that we use this democratic process to examine cabinet’s decision and hold us to account.”
Gillian Marshall, the council’s chief legal officer said: “Call in is part of Wakefield’s democratic process to ensure accountability and transparency.”