Transforming Cities – Wakefield city centre
Key details
Wakefield city centre attracts high-levels of footfall as a result of tourist attractions, employment, retail and hospitality offering. As city centre growth continues, changes in the public realm and transport infrastructure are needed to allow the local economy to grow.
Plans
- Through the Government's Transforming Cities Fund; to transform Wakefield city centre by reducing traffic in the Northern and Civic Quarters, enhancing cycling and walking routes, and improving operating conditions for buses.
- Include a cycle route between Wakefield Kirkgate Rail Station towards the city centre and Westgate Station.
- Improved access to Wakefield Bus Station for buses approaching from the north.
- An exemplar public realm and placemaking scheme in the Civic Quarter area
- Improved pedestrian links to the city centre from the residential communities to the east.
- Better enforcement of restrictions on some key city centre roads, creating a better environment for everyone.
Benefits
- Greater access to employment and education centres via sustainable modes of travel;
- Improved journey times and reliability for bus journeys in the city centre;
- Better walking and cycling infrastructure in the city centre;
- Reduced congestion within the city centre;
- Safer roads and footways for everyone;
- Improved air quality within city centre;
- Enhanced public spaces for people living in, working in and visiting the city centre.
Progress
- A four-week public consultation was held from 1-28 March 2021 to comment on proposals for addressing the problems.
- Comments are being integrated into the plans which will be made available later for public comment.
Funding
The £13.6m programme is funded by government's Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) through Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Policy alignment
The project aligns with national and regional plans, transport and clean air policies and strategies as well as the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy, Wakefield District Local Plan, Wakefield District Economic Strategy 2018-2023, Wakefield Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, West Yorkshire Bus Strategy and Wakefield District Transport Strategy.
Related projects
Provide new bus priority and cycling and walking infrastructure on the A61 and A639 corridors, improving journey between Leeds and Wakefield.
Contact Us
Highways and Engineering PO Box 700 Wakefield One Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2EB