Wakefield's former crown court to be transformed into arts venue

The building has been largely empty since closing as a court in 1993.

Wakefield's landmark former crown court is to be transformed into a performing arts venue, including a bar and café.

Long-awaited plans have finally been approved to bring the 200-year-old building back into public use.

Council planners have given the go-ahead to the scheme, which forms part of a major regeneration of the city's civic quarter.

The building has been derelict since it closed as a court in 1993 and is on Historic England's "at risk" register.

The former court building on Wood Street, which is Grade II-listed, was bought by Wakefield Council when it fell into serious disrepair.

Wakefield Civic Society's president said the new plans for the building were "exciting"

The plans would see a cafe and licensed bar operating in the building, with other possible uses including a cinema, theatre, dance hall or live music venue, a report to councillors stated.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report said a "village hub" was proposed, offering "space for performances, café, activities, workshops, lectures, health and wellbeing".

The proposals were welcomed by Wakefield Civic Society.

Its president, Kevin Trickett, said: "The neglect of the building and the ensuing vandalism going back over a quarter of a century has long been a concern, not only of the society but also of local residents and businesses.

"We were relieved when the council stepped in a few years ago to save the building from further damage and we now welcome the proposal to bring the building back into use through this exciting project, particularly as the conversion and renovation allows for community uses."