Traders told ‘you still have a future’ as The Ridings set for major regeneration
Businesses owners in Wakefield’s The Ridings shopping centre have been told they “still have a future in the city” following the announcement that it is to be demolished.
Traders were also told they should continue to operate in the “short to medium term” as the 1980s-built centre was likely to remain open until Autumn 2028.
Wakefield Council announced on Thursday that it had struck a deal with The Ridings owner Zahid Iqbal to purchase the centre.
The local authority plans to knock down much of the site to make way for a “vibrant new quarter” to include new homes, leisure facilities and spaces for events.
The scheme also involves bulldozing a number of residential tower blocks as part of the major regeneration project.
Thomas Wales, chief executive of Wakefield Business Improvement District (BID), told members of the organisation in a newsletter: “Wakefield Council has unveiled a long-term vision to regenerate the heart of the city over a 10–15 year period.
“As part of this vision, the council intends to acquire The Ridings shopping centre, with proposals for its eventual demolition to enable a new mixed-use quarter.”
The proposals include new homes, green spaces, a public square, library, museum, cinema, green spaces and “extensive” car parking.
Mr Wales said: “At this stage, it is important to be clear that there are no immediate changes to businesses or trading arrangements.
“Current indications suggest The Ridings would not close until around autumn 2028, subject to approvals and consultation.
“Any change would be phased, not sudden.
“This is a long-term regeneration programme. Nothing is happening overnight.”
The council has also confirmed that, once the acquisition is complete, an appointed management company will continue to run The Ridings during the interim period while longer-term plans progress.
Mr Wales continued: “We understand that Wakefield Council has made a clear commitment to Ridings tenants and other businesses that may be affected, reassuring them that they have a future in the city.
“Businesses that wish to remain in Wakefield will be supported to do so when the time comes.
“We know the biggest question for businesses isn’t what Wakefield might look like in 10 or 15 years’ time – it’s what happens between now and then.
“For many of you, your business is your livelihood often built over years, employing local people, and involving significant personal and financial commitment.
“That reality matters, and it must sit at the heart of any regeneration conversation.
“Based on what we have been told so far, businesses should be able to continue trading, investing and planning in the short to medium term.
“We are clear that businesses should not feel discouraged from continuing to invest during this period, and Wakefield BID will continue to focus on supporting you right now, not just talking about the future.”