City aims to become UK's sculpture capital by 2029

The Hepworth art museum in Wakefield is named after sculptor Barbara Hepworth

Wakefield is aiming to become the UK's sculpture capital by 2029 under a new tourism plan.

The Wakefield district destination management plan (DMP) could boost the economic impact of tourism by 15% over the next five years, a report said.

Wakefield Council wants to capitalise on the district being the birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

The report said the plan could turn the city into a "must-see destination".

Wakefield is already home to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and The Hepworth Wakefield gallery.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, tourism was estimated to have been worth £507m to the district in 2019.

Tourism also accounted for 7% of employment at the time.

The report said the coronavirus pandemic "resulted in a significant reduction in visitors to the district, creating a devastating impact to both the cultural sector and wider tourism and hospitality businesses".

In 2021, the council set up a core tourism team to help rebuild the visitor economy.

The venture led to the redevelopment of the Experience Wakefield tourism website which received 461,339 visits in the last financial year and showcased 484 businesses.

'A gateway to culture'

According to the report, the focus of the DMP was "to develop a coordinated approach for the district to become a must-visit destination by 2029, and on the way bring direct benefits and foster civic pride for those who live here".

It was created with contributions from businesses, transport providers, Visit England, councillors and officers.

“This new direction will consider the needs of visitors, local residents, business and the environment and will increase the likelihood of us achieving our vision to be recognised as the UK capital of sculpture, a gateway to culture in the north and a dynamic must-see destination," said the report.

The council’s cabinet is expected to adopt the DMP at a meeting on 18 June.

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