The Ridings opened in 1983 and was one of the first US-style malls in UK
One of the first US-style shopping centres to open in the UK is set to be torn down under plans due to be discussed next week by a West Yorkshire council.
The Ridings in Wakefield opened in 1983 but is now less than two-thirds occupied with Marks & Spencer the latest retailer to announce it is leaving the complex.
Muse was appointed development partner by the council last January for the work at the site known as Cathedral Quarter.
The plans include the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes, a public square, library and museum.
Five 1960s tower blocks at the site, currently owned by Vico Homes, will also be pulled down and replaced with around 200 homes.
Deputy council leader Jack Hemingway said the authority wanted to create “an economy that’s sustainable and has a future and that’s why the Ridings has got to change”.
The first phase of the scheme will be voted on by the council’s cabinet on 17 February.
If approved, the first phase of the development will be funded through £17.9m of Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government funding.
The funding will cover the acquisition of the shopping centre and will go towards the development of planning applications and other costs.
Simon Dew, director of development management at Muse, said: “The challenges that the city centre is facing are happening in many areas up and down the country as shopping habits change and former retail areas need to be repurposed. These bold plans are exactly the right thing to do for the long-term sustainable future of Wakefield.
“Our proposals to deliver residential, leisure and commercial accommodation in the Cathedral Quarter will act as a major catalyst for this part of the city centre. Bringing more people into Wakefield and driving economic activity for the city.”
No comments yet