Bringing New Life to an Iconic Wakefield Landmark
After the devastating 2020 fire at Wakefield’s iconic Speedibake Factory, we set out to turn loss into opportunity. ASC Planning proudly secured permission to transform the site into a thriving car storage hub, boosting local business and the city’s economy.
At ASC Planning, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of Wakefield’s most iconic sites, the former Speedibake Factory. For over 30 years, this industrial bakery was at the heart of the local community, and when tragedy struck with the devastating fire in February 2020, it left a significant void in the area.
Following the incident and the decision by Associated British Foods to cease operations and demolish the factory, the future of this important site became a priority for us. As experienced planning consultants in Wakefield and Yorkshire, we were determined to bring this valuable brownfield site in Wakefield back into productive use in a way that would support local business, employment, and the wider economy.
Working on behalf of Cars 2 Limited Wakefield, we successfully secured planning permission in Wakefield for the site’s next chapter.
The redevelopment will transform it into a car storage facility for hundreds of vehicles from leading manufacturers, including Hyundai, Seat, Nissan, and Renault. The plans, approved by Wakefield Council Planning, will allow up to 400 vehicles to be stored on-site, directly benefiting nearby showrooms and helping to ease local congestion.
This exciting Wakefield regeneration project represents more than just a change of use. It breathes new life into a once-thriving industrial location, maintaining its legacy as a valuable asset for the Wakefield commercial property market and the local economy. The development will improve visitor parking, streamline bulk vehicle deliveries and collections at showrooms within the city, and support the ongoing business growth in Wakefield.
As specialists in commercial planning consultancy and redevelopment projects in Wakefield, we understand the importance of transforming underused spaces into productive, sustainable assets.
This industrial site redevelopment stands as an example of what can be achieved when local businesses, planners, and authorities work together with a shared vision for the city’s future.
We are proud to have been part of this project, turning a site of loss into one of opportunity and helping to secure a positive, practical future for an important Wakefield landmark.
It was also great to see one of our planning projects feature on the BBC.
