Wakefield Council has confirmed ION Developments will bring forward the delivery of a brand-new hotel in the city centre, helping to meet growing demand from visitors and business travellers

The new hotel is expected to include at least 110 guest rooms, with the announcement of a major brand expected shortly. It will be built on the site of the former Old Westgate Station, next to Wakefield Westgate rail station.

Cllr Jack Hemingway, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said:

“Wakefield’s got so much to offer – great transport links, nationally significant historical sites, and a lively cultural scene. Big annual events like the Rhubarb Festival and the winter Light Up bring even more people into the city.

“With the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hepworth Wakefield and Theatre Royal to Wakefield Exchange and Tileyard North, there is always something happening here and reasons to visit from far afield.

“That’s why we want to give people the opportunity to stay for longer and enjoy everything Wakefield has to offer. So, this announcement is a big step forward for the city’s growth. It will help create new jobs and bring more people into Wakefield, which is great news for business and the local economy.”

To support the hotel development, up to £8million has been provided by government from the Local Regeneration Fund (previously known as Town Deal Funding) to make the scheme financially deliverable. And the Council will be working closely with the developer on the scheme through to delivery and the opening of the hotel to the first guests.

ION Developments has more than 30 years’ experience of working with local authorities to deliver transformational urban regeneration projects across the UK in locations including Liverpool, Wirral, Wolverhampton and Denbighshire.

Steve Parry, Managing Director of ION Developments, said:

“We are pleased and excited to have been selected by Wakefield Council to work in partnership for the delivery of this important project, which will contribute to the renaissance of the city centre by supporting the growth of the visitor economy and providing essential infrastructure for local businesses.

“The setting of the hotel will be enhanced by our plans to integrate it with the surrounding historic buildings and new green spaces, providing a characterful environment in an excellent location with close proximity to the station, existing car parks and town centre. We are looking forward to working with the Council to deliver the hotel, maximising its social and economic impact and contributing to the city’s future growth.”

Set within part of the city’s conservation area, the hotel will be designed to complement the surrounding historic architecture. An extensive landscaping project will introduce vibrant green spaces, creating a more inviting, walkable environment – to enhance the look and feel of the area.

The number of visitors to the Wakefield district went up by almost 10% in 2024. Latest figures show more than ten million people visited the district.

This highlights the overall strength of the hospitality, cultural and tourism sector in the district. Including attractions such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hepworth Wakefield and Pontefract Castle, recently recognised in Tripadvisor’s prestigious “Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025”.

Cllr Hemingway added:

“Given the rise in visitor numbers to our district, we need to make sure our infrastructure is ready for this growth and that visitors feel welcome.

“This is more than just a development – it’s part of a bold, government-backed vision to reshape Wakefield. The Westgate site is one of three exciting Town Deal projects bringing new life to the city. Alongside it, the square in front of the Cathedral is set to be transformed, and Kirkgate will be regenerated with new modern housing, creating fresh opportunities and a stronger community.”

While final designs for the new hotel have not been confirmed yet, early images released show how the area could look once work is complete.

Once planning is approved, construction on site is forecast to start in 2027.