UK shopping centre that's been trading for 40 years to be demolished amid store closures

A shopping centre that has been trading in Wakefield for four decades is set to be demolished after senior councillors approved a major redevelopment plan. The Ridings Shopping Centre, which first opened in 1983 and was seen at the time as a pioneering, American-style retail complex, will make way for a £50 million transformation of the city centre.

The Labour-run Wakefield Council has agreed to buy the 1980s mall so it can be knocked down and replaced with new homes, leisure facilities, green spaces and event areas. The huge programme forms part of the new Cathedral Quarter regeneration scheme, which is designed to reshape the city centre over the next decade.

Announcing the decision, Councillor Jack Hemingway, the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, described the moment as "historic".

He told colleagues: "This is an historic moment for Wakefield. It's an important decision for the long-term future and prosperity of our city."

He said the plans would "bring leisure, opportunities for hospitality, green space, much needed housing, and help to restore the city's heritage and character with improved connectivity".

He added: "The rationale for this is clear - we must address the decline of our urban spaces. What was once one of our greatest assets is now holding us back."

The Ridings, built over four years and famous for its glass wall climber lift, food court and three-level entrances, was once a thriving destination.

But footfall has dropped sharply in recent years and the centre is now less than two-thirds full.

Marks & Spencer recently confirmed it is leaving to open a new food hall elsewhere, and Primark is expected to relocate later this year.

Councillor Hemingway said the collapse of major retailers left the council with no choice.

He said: "Without significant anchors, footfall and income will collapse. This isn't just speculation - it's happened to shopping centres around the country."

Referring to comments made by the mall's private owner, he said: "Even he has described it as like owning the Titanic."

Many shoppers say the closure marks the end of an era. Speaking to the BBC, 81-year-old Doreen Moffat said she had been visiting the centre since it opened.

She called the decision "the death knock for Wakefield", adding: "The council should keep the building but modernise it."

Others believe redevelopment is the only solution. Electrician David Brailsford, 70, said: "It's very sad, but it's outdated and needs a lot of money spent on it. It feels dilapidated. Let's get on with it so we can get more investment."

Opposition councillors also raised concerns about the pace of the decision. Reform councillor Samantha Havery said: "In six weeks' time you want to seal the deal. You can't even sell a house in six weeks. Why the rush?"

Liberal Democrat councillor Rachel Speak added: "It's a major financial commitment using public money. Good governance cannot be dictated by artificial deadlines."

Despite objections, councillors approved the purchase, with the authority required to commit around £8m of government funding before the end of March.

Plans for the new Cathedral Quarter include a public square, green spaces for families, a cinema, new library, museum and extensive parking. Four 1960s residential tower blocks will also be demolished to open up the area around Wakefield Cathedral.

Some locals say the decline began years ago when the newer Trinity Walk shopping centre opened.

Kirsty Jones told the BBC: "All of the shops that were here when I was growing up have gone. It's an end of an era but it can happen anywhere."

Others argue more should have been done to save the mall. Former food court worker Philip Shelton said: "Why do Meadowhall and the Trafford Centre work? These places have got free parking - why isn't that the case with the Ridings?"

While feelings in Wakefield are mixed, the council insists redevelopment is essential. As Councillor Hemingway put it: "A city cannot stay frozen in time. Nostalgia will not sustain the jobs and homes of the future."