Residents are asked to have their say on plans to build 50 affordable homes on the former Chantry House site at Kirkgate, before a planning application is submitted.

As part of its drive to significantly increase the number of affordable homes in the district, and especially in town and city centres, Wakefield Council is working in partnership with WDH to bring forward brand new homes on this high profile site.

The Council acquired and demolished Chantry House on Kirkgate in 2020 and confirmed a partnership with WDH to build 50 affordable homes on the site for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Plans for the proposed development will be available to view at the West Yorkshire History Centre, 127 Kirkgate between 10:30am and 5pm on Thursday 19 January 2023. They can also be viewed here

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The Chantry House site is just the beginning of our plans to deliver more, better and affordable homes in our district. It is so important to us to create and provide places for people to live and be proud to call home.”

“The Kirkgate area is a key gateway into our city, and this is the next vital step in our regeneration plans.”

“This is also the first site of many that we intend to bring forward for affordable housing across the district over the next few years.”

“Good quality housing is the foundation for economic growth and the priority is for Wakefield to have a high-quality housing offer that meets our residents’ needs.”

“I would encourage the local community to engage with the plans for the site and provide some valuable feedback in relation to the proposals, before planning permission is submitted.”

Sue Young, Executive Director of Investment at WDH, said: “Providing high quality, affordable homes in places where people want to live is our priority. This development enables us to do just that. The plans for the development include a mix of family homes alongside apartments, helping us to build a diverse community, meet local housing needs and support our economy.”

The site is also part of the Council’s wider regeneration plans for Kirkgate that have been delivered since 2015 – including the restoration of Kirkgate Rail Station, the new West Yorkshire History Centre and improvements to the local road network.

It also forms part of the Wakefield City Centre Masterplan, which sets out how the city centre will be transformed into a vibrant city for the future and an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.

It is expected that works will start on the former Chantry House site next year and be completed by 2026, subject to planning permission.