City centre square plans dropped over sewer find

Plans were submitted in 2024 for the creation of the square in Wakefield city centre

Plans to create a city centre square in Wakefield where public events could be held have been withdrawn.

Following the discovery of a sewer beneath one of the city's oldest streets, the scheme would have to be redesigned, according to Wakefield Council.

The sewer, on Bread Street, is situated beneath the site identified for a new electrical substation, and if the plans for the square went ahead it would have to be diverted, adding to the overall cost of the scheme, the council said.

New designs would be drawn up and submitted for approval in 2026, a spokesperson for the authority said.

A planning application was submitted in October last year to demolish buildings in order to create the 15,607 sq ft (450 sq m) social and cultural hub to host events and festivals next to Wakefield Cathedral.

The planned work also involved resurfacing and making improvements to Bread Street, which dates back to the medieval period.

At the time, the council said work was expected to begin this year, with the project being completed by 2026.

The discovery of the sewer under Bread Street means the plans will need to redesigned to avoid having to divert it

However, Claire Elliot, the council's service director for economic growth and skills, said: "We've discovered that the location identified in the original planning application for the Bread Street substation sits above a sewer.

"Rather than divert the sewer, which would impact on the cost and delivery times of the project, we are now working to find the best location for the substation to enhance the original designs."

The design changes would require a fresh planning application which was being prepared and was expected to be submitted in the spring, she explained.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Elliot said it was "vital" to get the scheme right so a "a busy and thriving centre that our city deserves" could be created.

The council remained committed to delivering the scheme in 2027, she said.

"Our aim is to create a vibrant, welcoming space in the city centre that everyone can enjoy," Ms Elliot added.

The planned scheme would involve bulldozing two commercial buildings either side of Bread Street.

The new square would comprise two sections which would feature a large terrace with a stage, children's play areas, benches and an open paved area.

The long-awaited development forms part of a series of regeneration projects proposed after the council was awarded £24.9m of government funding in 2019.

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