Wakefield council has agreed to carry out a major repair programme at the city’s Grade I-listed County Hall, approving a total project cost of £14.1m to replace the roof and fix windows and masonry. The decision by cabinet members follows surveyor reports describing parts of the 19th century building as “structurally weak” and warning that ceilings are at risk of collapse due to long‑running roof leaks.
What was agreed and why
Cabinet approved an additional £8.2m on top of a previous allocation, taking the total to £14.1m. The council had already agreed to spend £5.9m in February 2025 to make the building watertight, but surveyors’ assessments have shown more extensive work is now required to make the structure safe and secure.
- Building: County Hall, Wakefield (19th century, Grade I-listed)
- New total cost: £14.1m
- Earlier allocation (Feb 2025): £5.9m
- Additional sum agreed: £8.2m
“The whole of the third floor is completely out of access because it is structurally unsafe… it’s an absolute disaster,” said council deputy leader John Thomas after touring the building.
Local context and consequences
Seven years ago the previous administration was warned that urgent repair work was needed. At that time County Hall was still the authority’s main headquarters, hosting most council meetings and serving as a workplace for almost 500 staff. Officers said work was not carried out then because of “a combination of factors”, including the Covid pandemic.
Since May the council has been led by Reform UK, which won 58 of the 63 council seats at the local elections. Senior Reform councillors criticised the former Labour administration for what they say were delays that allowed repair costs to rise substantially.
Cost breakdown
| Work | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial watertight works (Feb 2025) | £5.9m |
| Full roof replacement and windows/masonry repairs | £8.2m |
| Total | £14.1m |
Deputy leader John Thomas spoke bluntly about the state of the interior, describing widespread water ingress that has damaged plaster and paint and forced whole areas to be taken out of use. The additional works approved by cabinet are intended to address those structural failings and prevent further deterioration.
For Wakefield residents the scheme raises immediate questions about council spending priorities and the future use of County Hall. The building is an important part of the city’s heritage but its disrepair also has practical implications for any services or meetings that had previously been held there. Councillors will now need to oversee delivery of the works and ensure the money secures a long‑term solution to the problems identified.
