The Wakefield Council is in the process of developing an exciting new Wakefield Library & Museum within the former BHS Wakefield premises located in the city centre. The Museums & Castles team is eager to hear from individuals who have recollections of the old store.
If you were either an employee or a shopper at BHS Wakefield, feel free to drop by the Remembering BHS Wakefield: Cuppa & Catch Up event in the Wakefield Museum Learning Zone between 2 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday, 14th October. This provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in conversation with the museum team and reconnect with former colleagues and customers, all while enjoying complimentary light refreshments.
Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport , said: “I encourage anyone with fond memories of working or shopping at BHS in Wakefield to pop into the event and share their stories with the museum team.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce and catch up with old friends from the store, whilst also finding out about the building’s bright future. The new Wakefield Library & Museum is such an exciting project and we want as many local people as possible to get involved. People’s personal stories will really help the museum team to bring the new displays to life.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to peruse archival photographs and handle historical artefacts from the Wakefield Museums & Castles collection. Visitors are also encouraged to bring along any old photographs or items related to BHS Wakefield to share with the museum team. Perhaps you still possess a special outfit or ornament that you purchased at the store, or a staff photograph of your former BHS colleagues.
Guests will be able to preview the latest plans and concepts for the new Wakefield Library & Museum, which is slated to open in 2025. They will be able to provide their feedback and learn how they can participate in the development of the museum exhibits. The memories and tales recounted by visitors during the event will play a significant role in shaping the new displays.
Entry and refreshments are complimentary, but attendees are kindly requested to reserve their spot at https://bit.ly/BHSCatchUp.
The Remembering BHS: Cuppa & Catch Up event will take place at the Wakefield Museum Learning Zone on Saturday, 14th October, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.
For comprehensive details and booking, please visit https://bit.ly/BHSCatchUp.
For any inquiries, please reach out to museums@wakefield.gov.uk.
For information regarding the new Wakefield Library & Museum, visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/wakefield-library-and-museum-a-new-chapter/.
The new Library and Museum project is set to revitalise Wakefield city centre by converting the former BHS building into a prominent landmark at the heart of the city.
With substantial capital investment, including £12 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and an additional £4 million from Wakefield Council, the initiative will involve relocating the library and museum from Wakefield One to a more accessible and prominent site opposite Wakefield Cathedral.
The building will offer a vibrant, high-quality, secure environment for visitors. It will feature a distinctive range of amenities, including a café with a view of the cathedral, an area for adult activities, and a children’s library coupled with a family interactive zone.
This relocation offers an opportunity to expand the museum’s capacity, enabling a greater showcase of district artefacts that are currently in storage and seldom on display. Simultaneously, crucial library demographics, such as families, children, and the elderly, will benefit from a more central location within walking distance of the bus station.
This project is an integral part of the Wakefield City Masterplan, aimed at delivering enhanced facilities for residents. Alongside the new library and museum, there are proposals for Cathedral Square, encompassing a versatile multi-use space capable of hosting a wide array of events, additional seating, urban furnishings, and trees.
