City’s former coroner’s court to be transformed into ‘creative hub’
Plans to convert Wakefield’s old coroner’s court building into a ‘creative hub’ of studios and workshops have been given the green light.
The Grade II-listed Georgian building on Northgate has been vacant since 2023, when inquest hearings began being held at modern facilities elsewhere in the city.
Wakefield Council transferred ownership of the building to Leeds-based developer Rushbond after a report said it was “outdated” for the needs of a coroner’s court.
Council reports previously said the building would likely be converted into a hotel or apartments but Rushbond submitted an application in January this year to transform it into a business centre.
A planning statement said: “The scheme transforms the former Georgian home and coroner’s court into a creative hub accommodating multiple studios.
“The proposal aims to enhance accessibility, upgrade existing services, and undertake essential repairs to improve the building’s sustainability, while carefully preserving the key heritage features.”
Proposals include carrying out some demolition work within the property to allow for the installation of a lift and to provide wheelchair access.
No external changes to the building are planned.
Wakefield Civic Society and the council’s conservation officer supported the proposals. No objections to the scheme were submitted to the local authority.
The building dates back to around 1810 and was originally a private residence called Egremont House.
It became the headquarters of the West Riding Rivers Board from 1869 until 1950.
The property was then used as council planning department offices before being converted into a coroner’s court in 1983.
Inquests for the Wakefield and Leeds area were moved to a £2.7m facility opposite Wakefield Westgate railway station three years ago.
Rushbond is also in the process of converting the city’s former crown court building into a multi-use arts venue to include a food hall, offices, events space and studios.
The projects form part of a wider council-backed strategy to revitalise the city’s civic quarter.
In 2021, the council agreed to convert one of the most historic parts of the city into a new neighbourhood with homes and public facilities.
The former police station on Wood Street has been converted into flats and townhouses built on Rishworth Street and Gills Yard as part of the project.