Wakefield city centre homes to be built on site of demolished Snooty Fox pub and Chantry House council building

Eyesore office block Chantry House and the former Snooty Fox pub, both just off Kirkgate, were knocked down earlier this year to make way for 60 new homes.

Wakefield Council said it was working with WDH to build more new, affordable homes on a high profile, city centre site.

The scheme is part of a long-term scheme to regenerate the Kirkgate area of the city centre and developments would have to be granted planning permission.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to take a big step forwards on our journey to making sure our residents get the affordable homes that they need and its fantastic to be doing this particular development in partnership with WDH.

“The Chantry House site is just the beginning of our plans to deliver more, better and affordable homes in our district. It is so import to us to create and provide places for people to live and be proud to call home.

“The Kirkgate area is a key gateway into our city and this is the next vital step in our regeneration plans.

“This is also the first site of many that we intend to bring forward for affordable housing across the district over the next few years.

“Housing is key to our economic recovery following the pandemic, as good quality housing is the foundation for economic growth and the priority is for Wakefield to have a high quality housing offer that meets our residents’ needs.”

The council said the homes would be built within the next four years.

The scheme sits in line with the district’s Housing Plan 2019-2022, which highlights the council’s commitment to ensure good housing quality and affordability for all its residents.

The site is also part of the council’s larger regeneration plans for Kirkgate that have been delivered since 2015 - including the restoration of Kirkgate Rail Station, the new West Yorkshire History Centre and improvements to the local road network.

Andy Wallhead, Chief Executive of WDH, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Wakefield Council on such a large scale regeneration scheme. As a key partner of WDH, Wakefield Council shares our ambition of creating confident communities that people are proud to live in and high quality, affordable homes.

“Our recent £520million pound refinancing deal will allow us to deliver more sustainable new homes in key locations, including here in Wakefield city centre. This development is the tip of the iceberg and will complement other regeneration projects in the area, providing 60 much needed affordable homes for families.”

It is expected that works will start in 2022 and be completed by 2024, subject to planning permission.