Wakefield city centre has two railway stations, Westgate and Kirkgate. Westgate is the most used one while Kirkgate is much bigger but a mere shadow of what it once was. It is now derelict and unstaffed, with the buildings litterally falling away. However there is now progress, with the Grand Central trains coming through 6 times a day (3 from London), ensuring the station is maintained, meaning that the whole station is at least safe. In the past there had been muggings and other crime committed at the station. Large areas of platforms 2 and 3 are fenced off.
Steam Trains
During the summer steam trains running on the Scarborough Spa Express and Scarborough Flyer stop at Wakefield Kirkgate, this attracts a lot of trainspotters. The Scarborough Spa Express also goes through Wakefield Westgate. Notable trains to go through the station include the Union of South Africa.
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45407 The Lancashire Fusilier at Kirkgate |
Wakefield Arms
As soon as you leave Kirkgate Station you are met with a decaying, broken building that was the Wakefield Arms until 2003. Every time you go past it you'll find it's got worse, with it being a drug den and the home of squatters. It can't be knocked down because it was built with Portland cement which was invented by a man from Wakefield and therefore is listed. It previously had a Bed and Breakfast and even an underground brewery.
Shopping Precinct
I would say Kirkgate goes on until you reach Iceland, at the end of the main shopping precinct and bus stops in the city.
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The Wakefield Arms |
