Yorkshire-based developer and heritage specialist Rushbond has submitted amended plans for the 200-year-old Grade II* listed former Crown Court on Wakefield’s Wood Street, refining the original 2024 planning approval to enhance access, usability and heritage integration, and further progressing a sustainable business model.
The updated designs take the vision to the next stage, paving the way for construction to begin in summer 2025. With the site on track to reopen as a creative workspace, cultural, community and leisure destination by summer 2026, this major milestone marks the final key piece in the significant civic quarter regeneration project.
The new planning submission—developed by Yorkshire-based architects Group Ginger — reimagines the courthouse as a multi-use venue, a kind of modern-day ‘village hall’ for the city and underpinning the residential community of the neighbouring Wood Street Collection, currently under construction.
Developed in partnership with Wakefield Council, the Wood Street Collection is a distinctive new neighbourhood that includes 63 new homes and apartments for sale and rent, delivered by Fallowdale Homes, Rushbond’s housebuilding arm.
New design elements within the former Crown Court include:
- A new accessible entrance at street level inserted into an existing window bay—creating inclusive public access for the first time.
- A redesigned public terrace, sympathetic to the building’s Georgian stonework, softened with planters and a balustrade.
- A layered internal layout that brings new life to each courtroom and office: from an events space in the main courtroom, to a food hall, and co-working studios for creatives, as well as workspace.
- The first glimpse of how these architectural interventions will be expressed visually, with a CGI showcasing the exterior of the building, highlighting the blend of heritage and modern craft.
Jonathan Maud, founder and chairman of Rushbond, said: “Wakefield’s historic administrative city status means it’s got more than its fair share of heritage and architectural jewels and we’re proud to be in a position to restore one of its most dazzling, the former Crown Court, into an important destination at the heart of the city’s life once again.
“Wakefield’s really starting to turn heads. This development is part of a bigger wave of change happening across the city—alongside standout projects like Production Park and Tileyard North, which are putting Wakefield on the map as a hub for creativity and innovation.
“With world-class cultural gems like The Hepworth, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, together with Neon Workshops already here, and the recently opened Wakefield Exchange (WX) – a new space hosting events, street food, studios and more, there’s a real energy building.
“It’s becoming a place where culture, business and community thrive—and where people can afford to live and work in a great compact, well-connected and inclusive city. That’s exactly the kind of city we want to invest in.”
A newly commissioned neon sculpture from internationally acclaimed, Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed, entitled ‘EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT’, will be installed on the portico of the former Crown Court towards the end of 2025 with further public artworks from local artists planned for the Wood Street Collection area.
Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “This is one of our city’s most iconic landmark buildings. I am extremely pleased that plans are progressing to bring this historic building back to life. I can’t wait to see it finished, with its doors open, playing an important role in the community once again.
“It’s also great to see work continuing across the road from the Old Court House on another historic asset, the former Police Station. Once complete this regeneration project will create fantastic new city centre living opportunities. Ideal for people who want to enjoy the benefits of having shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and job opportunities right on the doorstep.
“Rushbond have been working closely with the Council to finalise the securing of funding for these projects. The work being carried out on Wood Street is part of a much wider programme of work the Council is facilitating to support and transform our high streets. This really is an exciting time for Wakefield.”
