College to revamp old deeds site

Wakefield College plans to take on the site on Margaret Street and expand and renovate it to create teaching space, music and performance rooms, a restaurant and kitchen, and facilities for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Principal Sam Wright said: “We are really excited about the opportunity to redevelop such an important local building.

“It’s location, next door to our existing campus, combined with some really attractive original features would make this building a wonderful location for our students”

The building, which dates back to the 1930s, housed the district’s historical archives for decades. But the documents were moved across the new West Yorkshire Archive Centre in Kirkgate in February.

Assistant principal Ian Wainwright: “Our plans will safeguard and restore this beautiful protected building in Wakefield and turn it into an educational facility for our students.”

Wakefield Civic Society submitted a letter supporting the scheme.

But objections were received on behalf of residents living at nearby Cathedral Close, raising concerns over disruption and privacy.

Wakefield Council’s planning department concluded the development would not result in “significant harm” to the character of the area and the amenity of neighbouring residents.