Wakefield Developments Thread

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

The existing Sainsbury's is going to close - I can't remember where I read this, but Wakefield MDC want to replace all those sheds off Ings Way with a more continental shopping plaza. Or something like that.

Well sadly considering the current economic climate I presume the present Sainsburys (if it is to close when their new store opens) it would be likely that the current Sainsburys will either be taken on by a temporary tenant, left empty or turned into wasteland perhaps? Is the long term plan to effectively urbanise the entire area around Wakefield City Centre which is currently used for a wide array of retail parks which of course would certainly be a great thing in revitalising the centre of Wakefield? Will Trinity Walk include free parking for Sainsburys customers (perhaps having a seperate section of car parking for Sainsburys customers only similar to Morrisons at the Merrion Centre in Leeds having its own car park)?

However I noticed that Debenhams an anchor tenant for Trinity Walk still claim at the latest a 2010 opening for their Wakefield Store and there will also be a new small format Debenhams to open at the Monks Cross Retail Park in York. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...ost.5078802.jp

Debenhams could bring jobs boost for Wakefield


Breaking business news

Wakefield could get a jobs boost as Debenhams amnnounced it is to create 1,200 jobs by the end of 2010.
The retailer, which has 153 stores in the UK and Ireland, said it planned to open eight new outlets in the next 18 months, creating full and part-time positions.

Debenhams also announced that like-for-like sales declined 3.6% in the first half of its financial year and warned that trading would "remain challenging".

Six new department stores are to open in Kidderminster, Newcastle upon Tyne, Carmarthen, Wakefield, Bury and Bath.

Debenhams said there will be two further smaller stores in Witney, Oxfordshire, and Monks Cross, York.

Debenhams' chief executive Rob Templeman said the firm was "pleased" with its results "given the extremely difficult trading conditions experienced across the high street".

"Visibility for the second half remains poor and we will continue to run Debenhams in the expectation that the trading environment will remain challenging," he added.

"We have continued to grow our top line and to take market share as consumers increasingly recognise the great value in terms of quality, price and design that our products and especially Designers at Debenhams deliver."

He said that while Debenhams had seen like-for-like sales decline in recent months, both the value of transactions and margins had increased, helping the firm boost profits.

The group's main focus was on cash profit, he added, rather than sales and "our increase in profits during the first half despite the environment is testament to this aim".

Debenhams has seen its shares battered by trading and debt fears in recent months, although a better-than-expected 3.3% decline in like-for-like sales decline in the first quarter helped its share price climb above late 2008 lows.

Well at least that gives some confidence in this scheme getting completed although it is interesting to note that Trinity Walk's problems were not even mentioned in that YEP article. Does anyone know on the inside if funding to finish this scheme will be acquired soon of if it could end up being Wakefields answer to Westfield Broadway in Bradford (albiet TW has the advantage of being partially built as opposed to WB)?

As for Debenhams in York where abouts in the Monks Cross retail park will their new store open and surely there is a strong case for expanding their existing store in York city centre which seems rather small to me although I thought Debenhams had quite big debt problems which of course would effect any further expansion (presuming that these stores which Debenhams will be opening were planned prior to the recession starting).

[STOPGO]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

I could if I ever went into the city centre! Next time I do I'll try and remember to take my camera.

You do live in Wakefield or have you moved ?

[CharlieP]

Yes, I do live in Wakefield. It may not be as big as Leeds, but it's not as though I can just pop round the corner and take photos of Trinity Walk and the other developments whenever I feel like it!

[STOPGO]

Wow, Sorry, chill out, whats the problem ?

[tigerman]

Have to say I wonder about the access and parking for the new Sainsburys - there isnt that much of a problem where it is now but moving it further into town looks like a potential traffic disaster - it could certainly deter me from going there.

[aviator]

Major retail scheme appoints adminstrators

19th March 2009

By David Parkin - Editor


Trinity Walk, Wakefield


A MAJOR shopping centre development in Yorkshire has appointed administrators after becoming the latest victim of the downturn.

The £200m Trinity Walk scheme in Wakefield has seen joint administrators from KPMG appointed today at the request of the directors.

Construction of the project by York-based Shepherd Construction has stopped as joint administrators Jane Moriarty and Myles Halley of KPMG Restructuring explore options for the development which is a joint venture between Modus and CIREF.

Last week TheBusinessDesk.com reported that the future of the project was uncertain after Shepherd said that it had failed to receive a number of payments for work on Trinity Walk.

Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Forward are believed to be in negotiations to try to get work restarted on the scheme, which is expected to be completed next year.

Next and Sainsbury's have signed up to move into the development and the administrators say that around 40% of its retail space has been pre-let.

The project’s indoor market started trading in June 2008 and work began on the shopping centre in 2007.

Jane Moriarty, joint administrator and KPMG Partner, said: “Trinity Walk is a victim of value erosion in the property sector. The economic downturn and resultant downward pressure on property values is impacting on the viability of many developments.

“Construction has stopped as we work with multiple stakeholders to explore a way forward for the development.”

(from TheBusinessDesk.com)

[STOPGO]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

Yes, I do live in Wakefield. It may not be as big as Leeds, but it's not as though I can just pop round the corner and take photos of Trinity Walk and the other developments whenever I feel like it!

Come on Charlie, we are still waiting for the photo's

[STOPGO]

Still waiting for the photo's !

[CharlieP]

Bloody hell, are you autistic or something?

[Val Verde]

Looks like the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats RLFC could potentially be moving to a new stadium not as a rebuilding of their existing stadium but to an all new site in Stanley to the north of Wakefield near the M62. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...ats.5178458.jp

M62 site for Wildcats?


Wakefield Wildcats' present home at Belle Vue

16 April 2009
By Stuart Robinson
WAKEFIELD Trinity Wildcats could soon have a new home following the collapse last year of the Thornes Park scheme.
The news will come as a massive boost to the club and it's fans who have been anxiously awaiting news on when they were to get a new home since the collapse of a previous scheme.

Yorkcourt Properties Limited have announced their plans for a new community stadium just off Junction 30 of the M62.

The proposal is to develop a scheme to support a 12,000 capacity ground on the site of the old Newmarket Colliery in Stanley.

The firm say the plans are "in order to safeguard the Super League future of Rugby League in the district, and to encourage the development and retention of local sporting talent by providing facilities worthy of a city with such a proud sporting heritage."

A new community trust has been set up, chaired by Sir Rodney Walker, to help deliver the project and to ultimately own and operate the facility.

Project bosses say the stadium could be used for the whole community.

There is also the potential for a link with the local college. The university is considering the possibility of a sport science department on site.

Sir Rodney Walker said: "We are delighted to have found an opportunity with great access and great potential to move sport on to another level in the district.

"We very much hope that this is the first step in creating world class facilities and clubs in the district."

Colin Mackie of Yorkcourt Properties added: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Yorkcourt to be involved in. We are confident that the project can be delivered in a timescale to guard the future of Rugby League in the district and create a facility for sustained sporting success."

Last year, plans for a new stadium at Thornes Park collapsed after a feasibility study and business plan drawn up by consultants for Wakefield Council deemed the site too expensive and not possible in the timescale of the club's Super League licence.

The feasibility study was drawn up by Leeds consultants Drivers Jonas and looked at the site currently occupied by Wakefield College.

Ted Richardson, chairman of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, said: "This is very exciting for rugby in the district. We are under enormous pressure to be playing in a stadium which lives up to the world class Rugby League being played in Super League.

"Having seen a number of false dawns, we are confident that this is a deliverable plan and should safeguard the future of the club for many, many years to come."

Where exactly in relation to J30 of the M62 will this new stadium go? Whilst their present stadium does look incredibly aged surely their present stadium would be much better to see redeveloped with advantages such as an existing community around the stadium, better public transport and more amenities near by as opposed to their planned site in Stanley which would be less served by public transport, have fewer amenities and not encourage regeneration within central areas of Wakefield. It does certainly seem incredibly bad imo that Wakefield council didn't support the scheme at the stadium's present site.

Wasn't there also a rumour that Wakefield Trinity could be ground sharing with Castleford when their stadium is completed and what exactly is the status with Castleford's stadium? Has that actually started construction yet and is there any chance of pics and aren't Featherstone Rovers also planning on ground expansion for their Post Office Road stadium?

On another note I noticed in the YEP that go ahead is looking likely for a new gyratory system in the centre of Wakefield which should certainly be good news in helping regeneration for the centre of Wakefield. Is there any plan to improve the look of the last part of the Inner Ring Road near Kirkgate and Wilkinsons which hasn't yet been redone in a boulevard style (similar to the section next to the Trinity Walk site) as opposed to a 1960s urban clearway which it is at present?

Wakefield roundabout set to go ahead


Northgate, Wakefield

15 April 2009
By Stuart Robinson
A pivotal new gyratory system for Wakefield is set to get the go- ahead from senior council bosses.
The gyratory, described as Wakefield's most important highway development, forms a key part of the North Wakefield gateway scheme and will be the link between the city's two biggest regeneration projects.

The new system is expected to be approved in principle by the council's cabinet next week as members look into the overall plan for delivering road schemes in the district for the next few years.

A report to the cabinet says: "The North Wakefield Gyratory is the single most important strategic highway scheme within the Wakefield City Highways Implementation Plan as it provides the key highways linkage to connect Trinity Walk with Merchant Gate."

One-way traffic inbound to Wakefield will use Leeds Road and Northgate and outbound traffic will travel via Bond Street, Wentworth Street and Bradford Road.

Pedestrian facilities will be installed and upgraded along the route and a new parking area for the school run will be created.

There will be a new public space in front of County Hall in the city centre and the Gateway scheme will also feature a 450-space park and ride facility on the A650.

The whole scheme is seen as key to linking the Trinity Walk and Merchant Gate schemes.

Trinity Walk is currently stalled amid funding problems. More than 500,000 sq ft of retail space is planned there, including new branches of Debenhams, Sainsbury's, Next and H&M.

It would also have 72 residential units and a near-1,000 space car park.

Merchant Gate, which is under way, includes 270 new homes and huge amounts of office and retail space alongside a 1,450 space multi-storey car park next to the railway line.

If cabinet gives the green light to the idea of the new gyratory, local councillors will be consulted ahead of a public consultation.

[STOPGO]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

Yes, I do live in Wakefield. It may not be as big as Leeds, but it's not as though I can just pop round the corner and take photos of Trinity Walk and the other developments whenever I feel like it!

A month later still waiting for the photos, I am seriously starting to wonder if you live in Wakefield at all.

[CharlieP]

Originally Posted by Val Verde

Looks like the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats RLFC could potentially be moving to a new stadium not as a rebuilding of their existing stadium but to an all new site in Stanley to the north of Wakefield near the M62. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...ats.5178458.jp

Oh bugger, that's my neck of the woods - traffic might be a nightmare on match days with all those Wildcats fans... hang on, what am I worrying about?

Where exactly in relation to J30 of the M62 will this new stadium go?

I've been trying to find out where the old Newmarket Colliery was, without much success. Might have to ask around.

On another note I noticed in the YEP that go ahead is looking likely for a new gyratory system in the centre of Wakefield which should certainly be good news in helping regeneration for the centre of Wakefield. Is there any plan to improve the look of the last part of the Inner Ring Road near Kirkgate and Wilkinsons which hasn't yet been redone in a boulevard style (similar to the section next to the Trinity Walk site) as opposed to a 1960s urban clearway which it is at present?

Some time last year I read about plans to redevelop the area in front of Kirkgate Station and the site containing the two big ugly council buildings (from memory, Crown House and Chantry House) and remove the roundabout and pedestrian subways. Don't know if it's been approved or what the timescales are.

[CharlieP]

Originally Posted by STOPGO

A month later still waiting for the photos, I am seriously starting to wonder if you live in Wakefield at all.

Hang on a second - you've basically demanded I go and take photos of all the developments in Wakefield, simply because I live within the city boundaries, and are now complaining that I haven't.

Have you no idea how obnoxious you're being?

[CharlieP]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

I've been trying to find out where the old Newmarket Colliery was, without much success. Might have to ask around.

Well, looking at Google Earth, it's presumably in the area bounded by the M62, A642 and the disused railway line running WSW-ENE.

[STOPGO]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

I could if I ever went into the city centre! Next time I do I'll try and remember to take my camera.

If you don't want to take any photos that's okay, I just thought with you living in Wakey its alot easier for you than me living the other side of Leeds.

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

Well, looking at Google Earth, it's presumably in the area bounded by the M62, A642 and the disused railway line running WSW-ENE.

Well it is certainly a bit of an out of the way location for a stadium imo if the location you suggested is correct and surely that site would include some green belt land. Wouldn't it's location by the M62 which is effectively borderline with Leeds / Rothwell and the five towns area as well as Wakefield sort of give an impression that Wakefields ground is not properly in Wakefield? Have any renders of plans been released for this stadium yet as well as any timeframe and any associated developments (perhaps more huge warehouses) and I take it there has been no news on Castleford's new ground on actually starting construction yet?

Also out of interest on an unrelated note does anyone know the reason for those stubs sort of coming off the M62 between J30 and J31 near Newmarket Lane / Hungate Lane are or were intended for? Is it an abandoned site for a planned motorway junction or services (both unlikely considering close proximity to J30) or was it just a bodged construction job for this stretch of M62 when the road was built?

[Derrv]

By the looks of it, the new plans for wildcats stadium is near bottom boat road, think there used to be a colliery around there. The stadium needs to be nearer to Wakefield centre, theres plenty of land around Agbrigg-Sandal-Crofton, i know it's still quite a way from wakefield centre, but theres more Wildcats fans around those areas.

Dare i say it? Why don't Wakey and Cas just share a stadium?

[tigerman]

I would not get too excited about the Wildcats stadium launch - after all its the second time they have done this and Castleford have done it three times and nothing has been built yet.

I have said before that I am pessimistic about either scheme ever even starting - although as a Cas fan I hope Im wrong.

Anyway the local paper this week reports that Cas are still confident of starting the 2011 super league season in their new ground. CE Richard Wright says there is a lot going on behind the scenes but they have not been able to say as much as they would have liked to BUT they hope to make some announcements soon.

I think a groundshare could be made to work but to do it you would require a committed council ready to invest in a proper community ground - and with Wakefield there is no chance - they just dont seem to care.

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by tigerman

I would not get too excited about the Wildcats stadium launch - after all its the second time they have done this and Castleford have done it three times and nothing has been built yet.

I have said before that I am pessimistic about either scheme ever even starting - although as a Cas fan I hope Im wrong.

Anyway the local paper this week reports that Cas are still confident of starting the 2011 super league season in their new ground. CE Richard Wright says there is a lot going on behind the scenes but they have not been able to say as much as they would have liked to BUT they hope to make some announcements soon.

I think a groundshare could be made to work but to do it you would require a committed council ready to invest in a proper community ground - and with Wakefield there is no chance - they just dont seem to care.

Well it is certainly taking rather a long time for both stadia to be built and considering sport facilties are such a key cultural asset then why have Wakefield Council being so reluctant to support it's teams (especially through rejecting the previous plans for Wakefield to develop a ground closer to the city centre) although how much funding do both Cas and Wakey have for these new stadia and how much profit do they make from gate recepits, sponsorship, tv rights etc?

As an obvious bit of controversy could Super League perhaps resurrect the mid 1990s plan to merge Castleford, Wakefield and perhaps even Featherstone together into a larger team for the Wakefield district as a way of keeping a perhaps financially stronger Super League team in the strong rugby league following city of Wakefield and the surrounding five towns area. Obviously it would be incredibly unpopular and insane to lose each teams history but could such a thing happen considering promotion and relegation has to some extent been abolished for Super League (which I believe is a bad thing imo).

On another note was there ever an attempt in the distant past to found a professional association football team in Wakefield in the past considering Wakefield must be one of the largest cities not to have it's own team or was it such a strong rugby league area that football was never considered (and is Leeds United the de-facto team most people support in Wakefield considering it's proximity and history)?

Also I noticed the Wakefied Express newspaper could potentially be moving out of the city centre. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/8013819.stm

Paper could move from city centre


The newspaper has been based at Express House for 150 years
A Wakefield newspaper which has been based at the same site for 150 years could move out of the city centre.

Johnston Press, the company which owns the Wakefield Express, has struck a provisional deal to sell Express House in Southgate.

The sale of the building to the Moorfield Group would form part of plans to extend the Ridings Shopping Centre in the city.

No new location for the newspaper has been decided on.

Well I wonder what this could lead to. Could it perhaps in the long run lead to an amalgamation of the Wakefield Express with the Yorkshire Evening Post perhaps considering both are owned by the Johnston Press? It would be bad for Wakefield to lose it's key local news source from the city centre and what exactly is planned for the Ridings Centre? Surely with Trinity Walk on hold I wonder how exactly the Ridings could expand in this current climate.

[tigerman]

Well I suppose the truth is that neither club is in profit or can afford the pay for a ground. The last rumour I heard about Cas was that they had an offer around £3m for their present ground. However what the funding arrangements for the new ground are supposed to be - well who knows. The ground is supposed to be a community stadium - not owned by Cas - but with Cas as long term tennants. I always assumed that therefore the council would be a major contributer to the costs but they have now stated that they wont be putting any money in and why would Cas have to if they are not going to own any part of it.

As I said before I would not mind ground sharing but a merger just cant work.