Work is well under way to breathe new life into Wakefield’s Old Crown Court, one of the city’s most recognisable historic buildings, as it is transformed into a new commercial and cultural destination at the heart of the Civic Quarter, renamed The Court House.
The 200-year-old, grade II listed building was built in 1810 and extended in the 19th century, and has stood vacant since the early 1990s.
Once complete, it will house a bar and restaurant, workspace, a community hall and creative studios across 25,000 sq ft.
Yorkshire-based developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council, is leading the redevelopment. The Court House has been designed by Group Ginger and is being delivered on site by Mulberry Construction Group, which also carried out the award-winning conversion of the Old Police Station, just across the road, into apartments as part of Rushbond’s Wood Street Collection.
Early key work on the building has now been completed and structural work is under way, with hoarding in place to protect the public while it continues.
The careful restoration of the historic internal fabric is complete, and work is continuing to upgrade and modernise the interiors, including installing a sustainable ventilation and heating system. The redevelopment is expected to complete in early 2027, with the building opening to the public soon after.
Councillor Matthew Pinder, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for district regeneration and regional growth, said: “Between meeting the Rushbond team and visiting the site, I am extremely excited that the people of Wakefield will once again be able to enjoy one of the most historical, architecturally beautiful buildings in our city for generations to come.”
He said he was looking forward to seeing the building brought back to life to support a range of future uses and give a boost to civic pride, and that the project was progressing well and remained on track for delivery in early 2027.
Jonathan Maud, founder and chairman of Rushbond, said: “When complete, the Court House will be a place for the people at the heart of the city, where they can work, create and spend time. This building that once represented civic authority will become a welcoming and creative space for the people of Wakefield and the region to enjoy.
“Together with the new homes we are delivering close by and the Council’s wider regeneration plans, we’re cultivating a new era for Wakefield city centre, elevating its growing reputation as a modern place to live, work and play.”
Rushbond, founded in 1986, is a Yorkshire-based property investment company with a housebuilding arm, Fallowdale Homes. Further information on this and other regeneration projects across the district is available at wakefield.gov.uk/regeneration.
