Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield
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| Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield | |
|---|---|
| Name | Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield |
| Settlement type | Metropolitan borough |
| Coordinates | 53, 40, 48, N... |
| Subdivision type | Sovereign state |
| Subdivision name | United Kingdom |
| Subdivision type1 | Country |
| Subdivision name1 | England |
| Subdivision type2 | Region |
| Subdivision name2 | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Subdivision type3 | Ceremonial county |
| Subdivision name3 | West Yorkshire |
| Subdivision type4 | Historic county |
| Subdivision name4 | West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1 April 1974 |
| Seat type | Admin HQ |
| Seat | Wakefield |
| Government type | Metropolitan borough |
| Leader title | Leadership |
| Leader name | Leader & Cabinet |
| Leader title1 | Executive |
| Leader name1 | Labour |
| Leader title2 | MPs |
| Leader name2 | Simon Lightwood (Wakefield),, Jon Trickett (Hemsworth),, Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford),, Mary Creagh (former) (Wakefield) |
| Area total km2 | 338.6 |
| Population total | 353,802 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Website | wakefield.gov.uk |
Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield is a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England, administered from the city of Wakefield. Created in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, it incorporates the former county borough of Wakefield and several surrounding urban districts from the historic West Riding of Yorkshire. The borough is a significant part of the West Yorkshire Urban Area and lies within the Yorkshire and the Humber region, featuring a blend of industrial heritage, market towns, and rural landscapes.
History
The area's history is deeply rooted in the Industrial Revolution, with Wakefield becoming a major centre for the wool and cloth trade, while Pontefract was famed for its liquorice production and Pontefract Castle. Key historical sites include the medieval Sandal Castle, scene of a pivotal battle during the Wars of the Roses, and the National Coal Mining Museum for England at the former Caphouse Colliery, reflecting the region's extensive coal mining past. The borough was formally established on 1 April 1974, merging the county borough of Wakefield with the Hemsworth Rural District, Osgoldcross Rural District, Stanley Urban District, and Wakefield Rural District.
Geography
The borough covers approximately 339 square kilometres, stretching from the eastern edges of the Pennines. It is bordered by the City of Leeds to the north, the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees to the west, and the City of Doncaster in South Yorkshire to the east. The landscape is characterised by the River Calder valley, which runs through Wakefield and Castleford, and includes parts of the Newmillerdam country park. Settlements range from the cathedral city of Wakefield to the Five Towns of Normanton, Pontefract, Knottingley, Featherstone, and Castleford, alongside numerous villages like Ossett and Horbury.
Governance
The borough is governed by Wakefield City Council, based at the Wakefield One building. The council operates a Leader and Cabinet model and has been under Labour control for most of its existence. The area is represented in the UK Parliament by the constituencies of Wakefield, Hemsworth, and Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford. It also forms part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, led by the Mayor of West Yorkshire.
Economy
Traditionally dominated by coal mining, textile manufacturing, and chemicals, the economy has diversified significantly following the decline of heavy industry. Major employers now include the public sector, with Wakefield Council and the NHS being significant, and distribution centres for companies like ASDA and IKEA located at the M1-linked Wakefield Europort. Pontefract remains known for Haribo and Monkhill Confectionery, while Castleford is home to glass manufacturer ARC Glass. The Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield is a key retail hub.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Census, the borough had a population of approximately 353,800. The largest settlement is Wakefield, followed by Pontefract and Castleford. The population is predominantly White British, with growing communities from Poland, India, and Pakistan. The borough has an aging population structure, with a higher proportion of residents over 65 compared to the national average, particularly in the former mining communities.
Transport
Major road links include the M1 motorway, M62 motorway, and A1(M), providing connections to Leeds, Sheffield, and Manchester. The borough is served by several railway stations on the Wakefield Line and Hallam Line, including Wakefield Westgate (on the East Coast Main Line), Wakefield Kirkgate, and Pontefract Monkhill railway station. Local bus services are primarily operated by Arriva Yorkshire and Stagecoach Yorkshire. The Knottingley area provides access to the Aire and Calder Navigation for freight.
Education and culture
The borough is home to the University Centre Wakefield and Wakefield College. Notable cultural institutions include the Theatre Royal Wakefield, the Wakefield Museum housing the Lynchmere Hoard, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near West Bretton. Sporting culture is strong, with professional rugby league clubs Wakefield Trinity (based at the Belle Vue stadium) and Castleford Tigers playing in the Super League. The annual Rhubarb Festival in Wakefield celebrates the area's historic rhubarb growing in the Rhubarb Triangle.
Category:Metropolitan Borough of Wakefield Category:Metropolitan boroughs of West Yorkshire Category:Districts of Yorkshire and the Humber