Blog | The new Wakefield Archives - Talk

The new Wakefield Archives - Talk

This year, Wakefield Historical Society will be hosting the annual joint meeting with Wakefield Civic Society on 8th January at 7.30pm in the Orangery, Back Lane, Wakefield. The topic will be the progress on the bid for the proposed new archives building to be erected in Lower Kirkgate.

When the Registry of Deeds in Margaret Street was declared ‘unfit for purpose’ as an archive repository, the need for a new home for the great collections of the former West Riding and for those relating to Wakefield district, as well as the archaeology and ecology services based in the same building, became imperative. Members of the Historical Society’s Council have followed the debate closely since then.

Teresa Nixon, Head of the West Yorkshire Archive Service, will be providing the general background to the current Heritage Lottery Fund Bid of £3.6 million to construct an exciting new base for these services as part of the Kirkgate regeneration. Other members of her staff will discuss different aspects of the project. The plans now include the housing of the important John Goodchild Collection in the building.

Public consultation will begin soon and this talk is an opportunity to learn about the issues surrounding the moving and housing of archives, and to consider how the changes might allow for greater interaction between the Archives Service and the local community.

Come along to our meeting and hear all the latest news about the bid and catch up with what is happening within the two societies. Entry is open to members of both societies and the general public – there is no charge for entry. Tea and coffee will be available after the meeting.

Please note that there is limited parking at the Orangery so only blue badge holders are asked to park there. There are a number of car parks in the area – including some free (after 6.00 pm) council-run surface level car parks in Westgate and Northgate. Please ensure you have entered a free car park though – as some car parks are subject to 24-hour parking fees.