Wakefield’s newest venue, Wakefield Exchange (WX), is set to open on Friday 21 February, just in time for the city’s annual Rhubarb Festival. This latest development aims to revitalise the area around the bus station and build on Wakefield’s growing track record in urban regeneration, including successful projects like Tileyard North.
A new chapter for Wakefield’s Market Hall
Originally built as Wakefield Market Hall in 2008, the building, designed by David Adjaye featured glulam columns, glass walls, and a grey-stained cedar wood exterior. Despite its modern design, the market struggled to attract customers and eventually closed in 2018. Plans to replace it with restaurants and a cinema were later revised, leading to its transformation into Wakefield Exchange.
Back in 2019, the shell of the Market Hall was used as a venue for a successful two-week exhibition – The Museum of the Moon – a spherical artwork by artist Luke Jerram that featured NASA imagery of the moon’s surface. Alongside music and other artwork, it drew good audiences to the city.
Funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Cultural Development Fund, WX will host a variety of events, street food vendors, a bar, creative studios, and more. The venue is expected to play a key role in the city’s cultural and economic growth by supporting local talent and small businesses.
Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, encourages residents and visitors to explore the new space. “WX is at the heart of the city, offering an exciting programme of events and opportunities for digital and creative businesses. It will help regenerate the area and attract visitors of all ages.”
A grand opening at the Rhubarb Festival
Open seven days a week, WX will feature five street food vendors, a bar, and flexible spaces for creative enterprises. The official launch weekend (21–23 February) will coincide with the Rhubarb Festival, expanding the event onto Union Street and under WX’s canopy with themed food, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Visitors can also experience Sentinel, a striking light sculpture by Studio Vertigo inspired by Wakefield’s coal mining heritage. Accompanied by the sound installation Coal Lines, the mixed-reality experience Revealed Triptych, and the digital game Roller Bird, the display offers an immersive storytelling experience.
If you’re in Wakefield for the Rhubarb Festival, one of the best food and drink festivals on the calendar be sure to check out WX and see what this new venue has to offer.
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