Exciting things are happening in Wakefield, a small city that is primed to punch above its weight - Michael Graham

It brings together businesses, investors and local leaders in a unique way. Helps to develop new public-private partnerships. And raises awareness of new economic opportunities right across our country.

All eyes have been on our region. A high-profile exhibition has showcased everything we’ve got to offer. Major investment decisions around housing, regeneration and net zero are being made.

Investors have been guided through over 30 investible propositions in the region. Opportunities which together could accommodate up to half a million new jobs across 8 million square metres of commercial land.

There are few places where those opportunities are as great as Wakefield.

We’ve a strong heritage of making and creating. Have always been extremely well connected. And are home to some incredible, talented people.

But we’re also a small city. We’ve been in a race for business investment and skills with some much bigger neighbours. A race that has not always been easy to win. Until recently. When something has started to change.

In a huge vote of confidence in Wakefield, a series of well-known businesses have made significant decisions to invest in our area.

Earlier this year we had the exciting announcement that The Groucho Club will be opening their first club outside of London in Wakefield. The news that a world-renowned arts and media club has chosen us for its northern base is a massive boost for our blossoming cultural sector.

That announcement comes alongside the ongoing transformation of Wakefield’s Waterfront with investment at Tileyard North. It gives our city a globally recognised creative community in an extraordinary setting. Once completed, Tileyard will be the UK’s largest creative community outside of London.

Production Park brings some of the world’s most successful recording artists and performers to Wakefield. It has recently attracted funding that will put it at the forefront, internationally, of the use of digital technology in on-screen performances.

Our city centre is also changing. With plans to open Wakefield Exchange later this year bringing more investment. Award-winning developers Rushbond partnering with the Council to regenerate some of our most iconic buildings. A new hotel opposite Westgate train station. And improvements to our urban environment through a major project in Cathedral Square. In the next few months, we’ll be taking on a Strategic Regeneration Partner to help us realise the vision for our city. This will be a new era of development and growth. And time for us to make the next generation of changes that will future proof Wakefield.

Why are so many investors choosing Wakefield?

Our area provides fantastic value for money. Businesses find dependable public and private sector partners which they can work with to drive sustainable growth. And Wakefield is a great city for staff to live as well as to work. We’re well connected, have loads to do including a burgeoning cultural scene, and have very easy access to great outdoor space.

It’s no wonder Wakefield is increasingly gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming place to do business. We’ve started this transformation journey by understanding our strengths. And having a clear plan to build on them.

Wakefield has an incredible history and was an especially important trading centre in the late middle-ages. We’ve forged a close partnership with Historic England to bring some of our oldest and most well-known buildings back to life. This is key to both local civic pride, and making sure our area is a great place to live.

We have a lot of potential waiting to be unlocked in our people. CAPA College is a purpose built Creative and Performing Arts College that is the only one of its kind in Yorkshire. And we’ve recently been recognised by UNESCO for our commitment to life-long learning, being awarded the title of a Global Learning City. We’re now able to bring employers and residents closer together. By making sure that people have the skills to get a job and progress in work and employers have people with the right skills they need for growth.

We’ve also had a strong commitment to developing new housing projects so that employers know their staff will have a place to call home.

This isn’t just about building more houses – although we do need to do that. It’s about investing in our city and town centres so that they are more attractive places to live, with more to do. Our project to reinvent the Cathedral Square will make our city an even better place to spend your time.

Exciting things are happening in Wakefield. But we’re not going to be standing still.

We’re continuing to take some bold steps to reimagine our city centre and position ourselves for the future of our economy.

Councillor Michael Graham is Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​