Heart of Castleford
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Overview
The council has received a £23.9m Town Deal from the Government's Towns Fund to support a range of projects in Castleford.
These projects aim to revitalise Castleford as a distinctive riverside market town. This will leverage its rich heritage to attract new businesses and employment opportunities. Additionally, they will provide skills training opportunities and create high-quality environments for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The four projects included in our Town Deal program have had extensive public consultation since 2020. They have received endorsement from our Castleford Town Deal Board.
A new heart of town
The Heart of Castleford project aims to revitalise the town centre and enhance the central meeting spaces in Castleford. It seeks to address the absence of a town square and provide a focal point for family-friendly events and activities.
The project will do this by enlarging Henry Moore Square. The new space will have:
- high-quality materials
- public art
- new seating
This will create a welcoming environment for visitors to relax and spend time. It will also provide a dedicated space for outdoor markets and pop-up events.
Castleford Futures - a new skills offer
The Heart of Castleford project will also transform the site currently occupied by the former Poundstretcher unit into a positive area for public use. The existing building will be removed and replaced with a brand-new building which will be known as Castleford Futures.
Castleford Futures will offer a café, flexible managed workspace, and new educational facilities for the people of Castleford and beyond. There will be a second new public space created in front of the building, adding greenery to the area and offering a pleasant meeting point for residents and visitors alike.
Impact
Improving the town centre environment is crucial for our plan to:
- support local businesses
- attract more people
- ensure the long-term success of Castleford's economy
Creating vibrant and inviting public spaces will have a positive impact on the town.
Timeline
- business case submission: June 2022
- receipt of initial funding: September 2022
- demolition work begins: mid-2024
- demolition complete: early 2025
- improvement works complete: late 2025
Contact Us
Regeneration Team Wakefield Council Wakefield One PO Box 700 Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2EB