We’re delighted to announce the purchase of a 31-acre site to the east of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, in partnership with Opus North. Our plan is to develop a commercial hub for the local area that will create a significant number of jobs.

‘City Fields’, as the scheme will be branded, recently saw previous owner Keyland Developments submit a planning application proposing employment space of up to 500,000 sq ft. Regenerating the site is an opportunity to generate over 800 new jobs and catalyse local economic growth.

Demand for UK urban logistics facilities was 86% above the long-term annual average in 2021, with vacancy rates falling sharply. City Fields’ urban logistics provision (Class B2, B8 and E(g) consent) and varied industrial accommodation will cater to a clear need for this type of real estate – crucially incorporating important sustainability features. Proposals also offer development scope for a trade counter scheme and hospitality options.

Previously part of the redundant Yorkshire Water Calder Vale treatment works, the site will now form a key strategic element of the overall City Fields development, which, at 375 acres, will play a significant role in creating a new, important and sustainable primary employment hub to the east of Wakefield. It runs adjacent to the £33m Wakefield Eastern Relief Road, opened in 2017, and will be part of the regeneration of the broader City Fields community.

We’re looking forward to working alongside Opus North to deliver another successful project!

Bridges partner Guy Bowden said: “The City Fields development will allow us to revitalise a previously redundant site and create over 800 new jobs for the surrounding area. Aiming to incorporate important sustainable features into the design, this development will both benefit occupiers and provide the wider Wakefield community with a high-quality commercial and industrial hub, helping to catalyse local economic growth.”

Ryan Unsworth, Development Director of Opus North, added: “The acquisition of this strategic site continues our strategy of sustained growth in the northern commercial sector. The surrounding area has witnessed a considerable surge in investment and regeneration and the development of this pivotal site will make a further significant economic contribution. We are looking to commence works on site in early 2023 with a targeted completion of the first units later that year. In addition to bringing about new jobs, the development will help ease the well documented shortages of high quality industrial/commercial accommodation in the region.”