We have yet another new member to welcome to the We Are Wakefield team, so grab a cuppa and take some time to learn more about Junction 32!

A lot of people believe that Junction 32 is just a shopping outlet, but it is so much more.

When it first opened in 1999 as part of a regeneration scheme of Glasshoughton, the destination was one of the first purpose built outlet centres in the UK! It has since gone from strength to strength and come out stronger than ever through bank crashes, a pandemic and financial crisis’s. It now has 725 employees, of which 91% live in the Wakefield area… so it really is a place for the Wakefield people.

Despite being an outlet centre, they have raised over £15,000 for their nominated charity, The Prince Of Wale Hospice, worked in partnership with so many different charities to help raise fund and awareness for organisations including Beat Autism, Leeds Mind, Cash for Kids, the Royal British Legion, and many more.

Junction 32 also aim to provide school children with the skills they need when they leave school, which is why they work with Work Ahead to undertake mock interviews, CV workshops and career panels to prepare them for what their future holds.

Being as sustainable as possible and helping the environment where they can, J32 have reduced their carbon footprint through engaging with their stores to reduce the energy consumption used, by using green energy suppliers and the introduction of LED lighting across the area.

All of this goodness has not gone unrecognised, with the outlet being shortlisted for 2 PFM Awards, 2 SCEPTRE Awards, a Wakefield Business Excellence Award and were the winner of WBBW Award in 2021. They have been awarded Diamond status for their Changing Place and Platinum status for their toilet facilities in the 2022 Loo of the Years Awards!