Introducing our Business Plan 2027–2032
Busier. Brighter.Better Wakefield.
Developed with our city centre businesses.
Our new Business Plan sets out a shared ambition for the next five years — and the practical steps to get there.
Shaped by you
Your businesses.
Your priorities.
Our shared future.
Through business visits, surveys, Think Tank sessions, Pink Sofa sessions and city centre conversations, you helped develop this plan.
Your message was clear: protect what works, attract more visitors, improve our streets and strengthen the voice of local businesses.
The proposed programme would run from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032, subject to a successful renewal ballot.
What would it mean for Wakefield?
Three priorities, shaped by the things you told us matter most.
A Busier Wakefield
More reasons to visit, explore and return.
- Events worth coming for. Continued support for Merrie City Festival, plus more city centre events and seasonal activities.
- More visibility for local businesses. Destination marketing, digital campaigns and business features to encourage visits and local spending.
- More to discover. A stronger BID website helping people explore everything the city centre offers.
A Brighter Wakefield
A city centre we can all be proud of.
- Streets that feel cared for. Enhanced cleaning, rapid responses to problem areas and continued Street Ranger support.
- Colour and character. Floral displays, Wakefield in Bloom, seasonal decorations and street dressing.
- A more welcoming city centre. Creative displays in vacant windows and partnership work on signage, wayfinding and car parking.
A Better Wakefield
A safer place to work and do business.
- Working together on safety. An expanded radio network, partnerships tackling business crime and anti-social behaviour, and initiatives including Pubwatch and Best Bar None.
- A stronger business voice. Regular networking, updates and representation to build connections and influence change.
- Supporting the people who work here. A proposed city centre staff discount scheme to encourage local spending.
“For me, a Busier, Brighter and Better Wakefield means more people choosing to spend time here, streets we’re proud to welcome them to, and businesses feeling safe, supported and heard. Thank you to everyone who helped shape this plan. We’re looking forward to building that future together.”
Your copy of the Business Plan
Download the full PDF to explore the proposed projects, five-year budget and how businesses would continue to shape delivery.
Download the Business Plan (PDF)