Wakefield Civic Society - an organisation dedicated to making Wakefield a better place in which to live, work or relax.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Wakefield, the Society can offer something of interest. From printed information through to talks and guided walks and from excursions through to social events, there is something for everyone.

If you would like to help us, please get in touch by emailing us at info@wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk. Alternatively, you can find details of our membership schemes for individuals and corporate organisations on the attached pages.

Save our Heritage - Society calls for action on old mill.

The Society is concerned about the state of the old corn mill at Wakefield waterfront. A grade II listed building but in an extremely poor state of repair. See our news page for more information.

Society gives thumbs up to the Hepworth Wakefield

Members of the Society were impressed by their recent visit to the Hepworth. For more information, see our news page

Wakefield Civic Society supports Street Pride Campaign

The Society is supporting the national Street Pride Campaign to remove unneccessary clutter from our streets and to create streets of which we can be proud. For more about Street Pride visit the Civic Voice website: www.civicvoice.org.uk

Friends of CHaT Parks group 

The newly formed Friends of CHaT Parks is now independent of the Civic Society. Full details of the group and how to join can be found on their website: www.chatparks.org.uk

Results from the Society's 2010 Design Awards scheme announced.

At the Society's AGM on 18th March, we announced the winners and runners up in our 2010 Design Awards. In front of a large audience of members, guests and nominees, the following prizes and commendations were awarded:

Category 1: Best New Development, building or environmental.

There was no outright winner in this category. However, commendations were awarded to Westgate Central, a mixed use development of apartments and shops by developer Stainsby Grange (architect DJ Curtis) and to the King Street Health Centre (developer Linfit Development Ltd).

Category 2: Best Refurbishment Scheme, building or environmental.

Commendations in this category went to Grosvenor House in Union Street for the addition of an extra floor (Developer The Bench Partnership, architect Architecture 2b), and The Ridings Shopping Centre for the new entrances and re-ordering of the interior malls. The outright prize went to Wakefield MDC for the refurbishment and setting out of the Bull Ring.

Category 3: Best Shop Front.

A commendation went to Newton Hill Barbers with prizes going to Cobblers and to Ruby Bloom, both in Westgate.

Category 4: Best Public House, Cafe Bar or Restaurant frontage.

In a well nominated category, the judges gave four commendations and there was one outright prize winner. Commendations went to The Raven on Westmorland Street, The Queens Pub & Grill on Denby Dale Road, The Graziers on Market Street and Phat! Buddha in Wood Street. The prize winner in this category was Islamabad's on Jacob's Well Lane.

Category 5: Best Residential Development (6 or more units)

A commendation was awarded to Emerald Homes for St John's Place (architects, the Harris Partnership). The prize winner was Linfit Development Ltd for Holdsworth House in King Street.

Mocca Moocho, Cross Square becomes our latest corporate member!

Mocca Moocho was one of our Design Awards winners in 2009 and we are delighted to announce that they have become our newest Corporate Bronze member.  Proprietor Jamie Blackshaw said that he and his wife Margaret had been delighted to win the award in 2009 and that they are very supportive of the work of the Society. Speaking at the Society's AGM on 18th March, he urged other businesses to follow suit and consider joining the Society.

For another perspective on what is happening in Wakefield and some thought-provoking ideas on what might be done - have a look at this website constructed by local designer Peter Barrs. Please note that the views expressed on the site are not necessarily those of Wakefield Civic Society!

What is Wakefield Civic Society?

Wakefield Civic Society was established in 1964 out of a concern for the built environment of our city. Now a registered charity, the Society is dedicated both to preserving and celebrating our built heritage and to campaigning for new schemes to be of the very highest standard and quality possible. Membership of the Society is open to anyone sharing our ideals and details of how to join can be found on our membership pages.