The building, which was constructed in 1810 to house the court of quarter sessions, is steeped in history.
It was extended between 1849 and 1850, and in the 1880s and later served as the Crown Court and as a County Court, eventually closing in 1992.
It has since stood derelict until it was sold to private developer, Rushbond.
Planned work includes creating an events space within the former main number one courtroom.
Elsewhere in the building, a restaurant, cafe and studio spaces will be provided, along with a new entrance and landscaped public terrace.
A neon art installation, by Turner Prize-winner Martin Creed, will also be permanently put in place on the outside of the building.
The project is expected to be completed by summer next year.
Take a look inside the old building:
7. Courthouse
The courthouse was built in 1810 and later extended but has been derelict since it closed in 1992. Photo: s
8. 215-years-old
Wakefield Crown Court: 215-year-old former court building, a neo-Grecian sandstone structure on Wood Street, was built in 1810 to house the West Riding Quarter Sessions and was extended in 1849-50 and the 1880s. Photo: s
9. Landmark
After decades of service as the Crown and County Court, it closed in 1992, fell into disrepair, and was placed on the "at risk" register. Photo: s
10. 1810
In 1810 the building opened to hold the court of Quarter Sessions, designed by Charles Watson in the neo-Grecian style. Photo: s
11. Structure
Extensions were added to the original structure between 1849 and 1880s Photo: s
