City's old coroner's court to become creative hub

Plans to redevelop Wakefield's old coroner's court building into a creative hub have been given the go-ahead.

The grade II listed building on Northgate, which dates back to 1810, has been vacant since 2023 when a more modern facility opened elsewhere in the city.

The council transferred ownership of the building to Leeds-based developer Rushbond after a report said it was "outdated" for the needs of a coroner's court.

The approved plans will see it converted into "a creative hub accommodating multiple studios".

Council reports previously said the three-storey building would likely be redeveloped into a hotel or apartments.

However, Rushbond submitted an application earlier this year to transform it into centre enabling people to establish small businesses, conduct workshops, or use studio spaces.

A planning statement said: "The proposal aims to enhance accessibility, upgrade existing services, and undertake essential repairs to improve the building's sustainability, while carefully preserving the key heritage features."

Proposals include carrying out some demolition work within the property to allow for the installation of a lift and to provide wheelchair access.

No external changes to the building are planned, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Wakefield Civic Society and the council's conservation officer supported the plans with no objections submitted to the authority.

The building was originally a private residence called Egremont House.

It became the headquarters of the West Riding Rivers Board from 1869 until 1950.

The property was then used as council planning department offices before being converted into a coroner's court in 1983.

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