Wakefield M&S store to relocate from city centre

Marks & Spencer has announced plans to close its Wakefield high street store and open a food hall on the outskirts of the city.

The retailer said it would relocate from The Ridings shopping centre to an 18,000 sq ft "market-style food store" two miles away at the City Fields development.

The future of its current store in Wakefield has been subject to speculation since the retailer closed its premises in Castleford town centre in 2023, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Following the announcement, Wakefield Council said it had been in discussion with The Ridings' owner about the "longer-term future of this critical part of the city centre".

Nikki McKidd, Marks & Spencer stores director, said the new store on Neil Fox Way would be "one of the most modern stores in the UK".

"At Wakefield, we have an exciting opportunity to create a new era for M&S in the city from a fantastic location," she said.

Jack Hemingway, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said the new store would be "a great addition to City Fields, with more announcements like this to come later this year".

M&S is one of the few remaining major high street chains based in The Ridings, with the relocation date not yet confirmed.

The Labour-run authority previously aimed to buy the shopping centre as part of a regeneration project but dropped the plan in 2022.

Instead, it was bought by Yorkshire-based businessman Zahid Iqbal in 2023.

Hemingway added: "There is no doubt that the move will have an impact on The Ridings, where M&S is one of the three remaining national retailers.

"Over recent months we've been working very closely with The Ridings owner as we look at the future of the city centre."

He added: "We all want a city with a sustainable future where existing and new retail will thrive, attracting more people, investment and jobs.

"We will take the bold decisions needed to deliver this."

Last month, Hemingway said a "major high street retailer" would soon be announcing plans to open a store at City Fields - a new housing development to the east of the city.

Residents in the area have been calling for new shops, a medical centre and leisure facilities to support thousands of homes.

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