The tower was rebuilt in 1885 also to a design by Micklethwaite and other internal alterations were made at this time.

The church was grade II* listed on 29 March 1971 for the reasons for its architectural notability.

The church of St John the Baptist, St John's Square, Wakefield, is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: The building is of Ashlar sandstone with a hipped slate roof on the nave and aisles and a lead one to the chancel, chapel and vestry.

The tower is not the original one but was a replacement built in 1885 to a design by London architect, J. T. Micklethwaite.

The uppermost stage is octagonal with round belfry openings and a clock face.

The south side has a central field with an oval panel, festoons and is surmounted by an urb.

The back end of the main nave has porches with plain parapets and north and south doors.

There is a statue of John the Baptist in a round-headed niche and a parapet showing the IHS monogram.

There is a small single-bay chapel with an organ loft set above and a blind east window.