Streets for people - We’re creating a Horsefair that works for everyone.
Work on the district’s first, purpose-built Street for People gets underway in summer 2025. Right in the heart of Pontefract, Horsefair will be made safer for people travelling between the town and the castle. With improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements and lower speed limits.
We asked residents and local businesses to share their views on how we could create a Horsefair that works for everyone. And we’re really pleased so many people helped shape the changes. We listened to what residents and local businesses had to say and used the feedback to design the new-look Horsefair.
We’ll be working hard to keep any disruption to a minimum, so please bear with us.
The Project
We’re improving Horsefair to better connect Pontefract Castle with the town centre. This project will improve the visitor experience and create a cleaner, greener, eco-friendly high street for all.
The scheme has been awarded funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund.
The project, which won the National Planning Awards’ ‘Fostering a Healthy High Street’ category, was developed through a series of public consultations with residents, local businesses, Pontefract Civic Society and ward councillors.
New Features
- introduction of a new one-way system from the Bus Station towards Stuart Way
- additional Loading Bays
- disabled parking will be retained
- a 20mph speed limit for improved safety
- a new cycle path
- new cycle racks to secure bicycles
Timeline
Preparations on site for work starting: May 2025.
Work to start: 16 June 2025.
All work to complete: December 2025.
We want to make sure the area remains safe and secure while this improvement work is being carried out.
If you see anything you would like to report when we are not on site, please contact our customer service team on 03485 506 506 or email customerservices@wakefield.gov.uk.