Developer sought to accelerate town regeneration

14 hours ago

Tony Gardner

Local Democracy Reporting Service

Major redevelopment projects are already underway in Castleford

LDRS The river Aire in Castleford — Major redevelopment projects are already underway in Castleford

A West Yorkshire council is set to appoint a developer to help speed up some of its planned housing and regeneration schemes.

Wakefield Council said the move would accelerate long-term projects planned for Castleford and help it to "evolve into a distinctive riverside market town".

Senior councillors are expected to approve plans to launch a procurement process to secure a strategic regeneration partner.

Major redevelopment projects are already underway in Castleford, including a revamp of the town centre, after the council secured £23m of government Town Deal funding in 2019.

A new public park is also being built next to the River Aire.

Castleford has also been designated as a housing zone with a focus on residential development at key sites close to the river.

A report to cabinet members said Castleford had "significant opportunities for economic growth and regeneration" and should take advantage of its "ideally placed" road, rail and bus connections to Leeds, Manchester, York and Wakefield.

It added: "Castleford has the capacity to accommodate a significant student and office worker population, along with a substantial number of new homes.

"This growth will significantly boost footfall and create new opportunities for the town centre.

"With the right level of investment, the town can fulfil its potential and evolve into a vibrant, sustainable, and distinctive riverside market town, playing a key role in the economic future of both the district and the wider West Yorkshire region."

Buildings along Bridge Street and Aire Street have been earmarked for demolition

LDRS Buildings along Bridge Street and Aire Street in Castleford which look like a garden centre with plants and shrubs outside. — Buildings along Bridge Street and Aire Street have been earmarked for demolition

Earlier this year, the council launched a similar scheme in Wakefield by appointing Muse to help bring forward a range of regeneration scheme planned for the city.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), council leader Denise Jeffery said: "Castleford has a strong identity, and its residents are incredibly proud of where they come from.

"Town centres have changed massively in recent years, and I'm determined to ensure we have a thriving and distinctive town centre residents deserve."

Jack Hemingway, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, added: "Our strategic regeneration partner will enable us to realise the potential there is for sustained economic growth in Castleford.

"We want to get the right mix of retail, commercial, residential and leisure to get the town moving forwards and to give our residents what they need and want."

Cabinet members will consider the report at a meeting on 22 July.

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