The Wakefield District Plan 2025–2035 has now been published, setting out a shared vision for the next decade. Developed by the Wakefield Together Partnership, it is designed to make Wakefield a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable place to live, work and invest.
Wakefield BID was actively involved in the discussions and represented the voice of city centre businesses throughout the process. This means our members’ priorities – from safety and regeneration to footfall and connectivity – are reflected in the final plan.
Regeneration and Growth for the City Centre
A key ambition of the plan is to transform high streets and urban centres into thriving, mixed-use destinations. This includes:
- Major programmes of sustainable regeneration in Wakefield city centre and Castleford.
- Right-sizing the retail and leisure offer to meet changing demands.
- Creating high-quality public spaces, green areas, and calmer streets to attract more families, residents and visitors.
- Using culture, creativity, and events to increase a sense of place and pride.
For Wakefield BID members, this directly translates into more people visiting the city centre, stronger trading conditions, and new opportunities for growth.
Building an Economy That Works for Businesses
The District Plan sets out a bold Growth Plan for the local economy, backed by a new Economic Growth Board. Its priorities include:
- Attracting investment into Wakefield, particularly in advanced manufacturing and the green economy.
- Creating the right environment for entrepreneurs and start-ups to thrive.
- Supporting local supply chains through “community wealth building” so more money stays in the district.
- Building skills for the future, including green jobs and digital opportunities.
This focus on productivity, skills, and innovation will help businesses across the city centre – from independents and SMEs to larger employers – build resilience and seize new opportunities.
Safer, Welcoming Communities
The plan pledges to tackle anti-social behaviour head-on, building on the Wakefield City Centre Taskforce and strengthening partnerships with police, councils and businesses. It also highlights the importance of cohesive and welcoming communities, with investment in neighbourhood models that bring together services, businesses and residents to address local issues.
This aligns closely with Wakefield BID’s own Safer Wakefield programme, which is already delivering a radio and intelligence-sharing system, stronger business-police partnerships, and visible action on retail crime.
Better Transport and Connectivity
Accessibility is another major theme in the plan. It sets out ambitions for:
- Affordable and reliable public transport across the district.
- Stronger regional connections through West Yorkshire’s bus franchising and future mass transit system.
- Better cycling and walking routes, alongside investment in greener travel infrastructure.
For BID members, this means staff, customers and visitors will find it easier and cheaper to get into the city centre, strengthening both footfall and connectivity with the wider region.
A Cleaner, Greener Wakefield
The District Plan also commits to tackling climate change and achieving net zero by 2038. This includes retrofitting commercial and public buildings, expanding renewable energy opportunities, and supporting businesses to cut energy costs through greener practices.
For members, this could mean new funding, training, and partnership opportunities to support sustainability while saving money.
Representing Our Members in the District’s Future
Wakefield BID’s involvement has ensured that the interests of city centre businesses are firmly embedded in the plan. From regeneration to safer streets and a stronger economy, this strategy reflects the issues our members tell us matter most.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“We were proud to be part of the discussions shaping the District Plan and to represent our members at the table. This plan provides a clear commitment to strengthening our city centre – through regeneration, investment, and safer streets. For our businesses, it means more opportunities, more customers, and a stronger environment to trade and grow. Wakefield BID will continue to ensure that the voice of our members is at the heart of delivery.”
The District Plan is a ten-year framework, but many actions will begin immediately. Wakefield BID will continue to work closely with partners to make sure that businesses benefit from these changes as they are delivered.
Find out more about the District Plan here
