Work has begun to transform the site of the former Chantry House building in Wakefield into 50 new affordable homes.
There will be 26 townhouses and 24 apartments built on the site by Caddick Construction and owned and managed by WDH, for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “I am really pleased to see work beginning on this site.
“Good quality housing is the foundation for economic growth and the priority is for Wakefield to have a high-quality housing offer that meets our residents’ needs.
“The Chantry House site is part of our plans to deliver more, better and affordable homes in our district. It is so important to us to create and provide places for people to live and be proud to call home.
“We want to encourage people to come and live and work in Wakefield. Creating vibrant communities which will provide a real boost to our local businesses and high street.
“The Kirkgate area is a key gateway into the city centre, and this is the next vital step in our regeneration plans.”
The Council began preparing this site for development in 2020. After demolishing the Chantry House building, temporary greening was added to the area.
Planning was granted for 50 new homes to be built, including 24 new apartments and 26 new houses. The Council has also supported WDH by providing a grant to fill the viability gap to build these homes, using Section 106 commuted sums. This is where developers pay a one-off contribution in lieu of onsite provision of affordable housing so it can be built in other areas of the district (subject to any restrictions).
Joel Owen, Service Director for Development at WDH, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Wakefield Council to transform the centre of Wakefield and provide much needed high quality affordable homes.
“Investing in our communities is a key priority for WDH and by transforming the former Chantry House site, we’re breathing new life into the city centre creating a new, vibrant community enabling better futures for our customers.”
Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction has been appointed as main contractor on the project, with Caddick Civil Engineering also appointed to deliver remediation and groundworks.
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, said: “As a Wakefield-based business, we are proud to have been selected as main contractor and civil engineering partner on this new neighbourhood for Wakefield Council and WDH.
“We have 40 years of experience building high-quality projects across the region, and in that time we’ve also developed a reliable and local supply chain network that we will enlist the expertise of at Chantry House.”
