00:00Four high-rise blocks of flats in Wakefield, together with the Ridings Shopping Centre, have been earmarked for demolition under
00:07proposals to transform the city centre.
00:10More than 200 apartments are to be built to accommodate residents who faced losing their homes as part of the
00:17regeneration scheme.
00:19Residents of the flats, owned by social housing provider Vico Homes, will receive new accommodation on Kirkgate if they choose
00:26to stay in the city centre.
00:29The scheme includes building homes on a site across the road from the Tower Blocks, which was previously occupied by
00:35a Wilco's store and a cinema.
00:38The new apartments form part of the first phase of the Cathedral Quarter project, which is expected to take up
00:45to 15 years to complete.
00:47Earlier in the year, residents of Manor House, Trinity House, Tudor House and Warren House were informed that their homes
00:54would be knocked down as part of the major development.
00:57Wilco's has already been demolished, and the remaining buildings will come down this summer.
01:02Wakefield Council has finalised a deal to buy the Ridings from businessman Zahid Iqbal for an undisclosed sum.
01:09Plans include demolishing the centre to build new homes, leisure facilities and event spaces.
01:15The first phase of the project is being funded through £17.9 million from the Ministry of Housing, Community and
01:21Local Government.
01:22The Harewood Arms, one of only a few Edwardian pubs left in the city, will remain in place as a
01:28landmark building.
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