Rishworth Street housing completed as part of civic quarter regeneration

Rushbond, the developer behind the project, said building work had finished on 12 houses on Rishworth Street and a three-bedroom show home had been opened to the public.

The Yorkshire-based company is delivering a total of 63 homes in the area by converting the old Wood Street police station into apartments and building townhouses on former council-owned car parks at Rishworth Street and Gills Yard.

The project has also included transforming Wood House, the former superintendent’s house next door, onto a four-bedroom house.

Planning permission for the project was granted in December 2022 after Wakefield Council chose Rushbond to complete the project.

The first phase of the scheme was completed in June last year when the homes on Gills Yard were constructed.

To mark the latest development, Fallowdale Homes, Rushbond’s housebuilding arm, and estate agents Manning Stainton have pledged to donate £100 to a local charity for each home sold.

Proceeds will go to Community Foundation Wakefield District’s ‘Turning Houses into Homes’ campaign, which supports people experiencing crisis and lacking basic houshold items.

Nina Barker, senior residential sales manager for Fallowdale, said: “Both companies understand the huge potential and appeal of city centre living in one of Wakefield’s most historic areas.

“We share a commitment to creating homes and lasting neighbourhoods that benefit the whole community.”

Carrie D’Arcy, head of land and new homes at Manning Stainton said: “We are delighted to be working with Fallowdale Homes on this fantastic scheme, which brings much needed housing and contemporary city centre living to Wakefield.

“The wider regeneration of the area reflects Rushbond’s commitment to the community, which strongly aligns with the values of Manning Stainton.”

Lisa Milburn, foundation director for the charity, said: “Partnerships like this make a real difference because they connect new developments in our district with the people who are struggling within it.

“Many of the individuals and families we support are starting again with very little, often after a period of upheaval.

“We’re grateful to Fallowdale Homes and Manning Stainton for choosing to support this work.”

“It shows a genuine commitment to the wider community, not just the homes being built, but the people already living here who need support to rebuild their lives.”

The development forms part of the wider Wood Street Collection, which also includes transforming the city’s old Crown Court building into a “cultural destination” featuring a restaurant, café and studio spaces.

Plans are also in place to convert the former corner’s court building, on Northgate, into a “creative hub” of studios and workshops.

Some of the projects were honoured at this year’s annual Wakefield Civic Society design awards.