Last chance to have your say on Thornes Park proposal

Consultation meetings over a proposed redevelopment of Wakefield College's campus in Thornes Park will take place this week.
Thornes Park college campus.Thornes Park college campus.
Thornes Park college campus.

The college plans to sell the site and has been working with developer Panacea to explore ideas for its regeneration. Suggestions include the creation of a residential development or a care facility at the Grade-II listed park.

Chairman of The Friends of Clarence, Holmefield and Thornes Park group (CHaTs) Ian Deighton said people had “consistently rejected” the notion of houses at the first consultation meetings.

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He said: “This is a sensitive site in a prominent location at the centre of the park and to develop it for housing would destroy the surrounding park as a public amenity.”

The college and Panacea are working with community engagement company HomeTown Plus to carry out the consultation, before drawing up proposals for the site.

Panacea managing director Neil Patten said: “In our preliminary talks about residential use for the site, the proposals we would consider would be completely different to a traditional house builder approach as this would not be appropriate.”

College principal Sam Wright added: “We welcome all feedback received as part of the consultation so far and hope that we can ensure the best possible outcome.”

The last sessions will take place at Valley Crescent Centre, Wrenthorpe Lane at 6.30pm tonight and at Wakefield Methodist Church, Thornes Road at 6.30pm on Monday.