Popular Wakefield wool shop plans move into 400-year-old historic building

Proposals have been submitted for a wool and craft materials business to move into one of Wakefield’s most historic buildings.

Wool n Stuff plans to relocate to the Elizabethan Gallery from its current base on Kirkgate if an application to restore and refurbish the 16th Century property is given the go-ahead.

Wakefield Council put the Grade II-listed building on the market in September last year, saying it was in “considerable need of very costly repairs.”

A heritage statement submitted to the local authority on behalf of the company said: “The new owners wish to safeguard the building and bring it back into use.

“Its location at the edge of the Trinity Walk Shopping Centre makes retail an ideal choice for its change of use.”

The statement said the building would “directly cater for a current retail need” if the scheme was approved.

It added: “The owners’ retail shop Wool n Stuff sells wool and related craft materials within the shop and by post, and also hosts craft groups.

“It is intended to transfer the same business activities to the former Elizabethan Gallery premises.”

Proposed work on the building includes carrying out roof and window repairs, replacing the fire alarm system and installing new lighting.

The report said: “The high significance of the building means there is little capacity for change to the historic fabric and fittings.”

A separate application has also been submitted to put up new signage at the site displaying the company’s name and logo, along with an information board about the history of the building.

The property, on Brook Street, was built in 1598 and was the original home of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.

The school moved to its current site on Northgate in 1855 and the building became Wakefield Cathedral School.

The council purchased it in 1979 and it was used as an exhibition space for the city’s art gallery.

More recently, it had been hired out as an events space but has been vacant for around eight years.

Offers “in excess of £200,000” were requested when the gallery was marketed by a commercial estate agent last year.

Jane Brown, the council’s service director for property, facilities and health and safety, previously said: “The Elizabethan Gallery has been vacant for a number of years and is in considerable need of very costly repairs.

“It is now on the market for those with the right expertise and commitment to invest in the property and give it a new life.”