Wakefield ex-Wilko store to be demolished for new development
Wakefield Council obtained nearly £25m worth of funding for the scheme from the government's Towns Fund in 2019.Approving the work following a planning proposal submitted by the council itself, a planning officer's report said a further application would have to be submitted before the site was redeveloped.
Lower Kirkgate is considered a major city centre gateway and a key route to Wakefield's waterfront.The council previously described the area as a "blight" on the city, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.The project also aims to encourage "younger professionals" to live in the city centre and "bring year-round day and evening vibrancy" to the area, according to the council.
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