Futurecity was appointed to develop the Heritage & Culture Blueprint as part of the Wakefield City Centre Masterplan, led by Farrells Architects. The Masterplan sets a strategic framework to guide physical development and economic growth across the city centre.

Wakefield’s cultural offer is broad and distinguished, home to Art Fund Prize-winning institutions such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield, alongside nationally recognised organisations including the Theatre Royal Wakefield and the National Coal Mining Museum. This cultural strength is amplified by a diverse programme of events, grassroots initiatives like Artwalk Wakefield, and an engaged creative community

The Blueprint was developed to strengthen this ecosystem, connecting Wakefield’s cultural assets through improved public realm, reimagined public spaces and the creative reuse of vacant buildings. It proposes a new central hub for culture, additional space for creative education, and opportunities to support local talent and next-generation cultural industries.

Recommendations include the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for exhibitions, studios and workspaces, alongside targeted investment in culture-led further education programmes. Public realm proposals aim to improve pedestrian experience, activate key gateways, and create a more connected and inviting city centre for residents and visitors alike.

The Heritage & Culture Blueprint positions culture as a driver of regeneration, creativity and identity in Wakefield’s transformation—building on its established reputation to create a more unified, accessible and dynamic cultural destination.