Wakefield Council launches Castleford regeneration project

Wakefield Council has begun a regeneration project which will see Sagar Street, in the heart of nearby town Castleford, turned into a creative business and skills quarter.

The area will become known as Castleford Boho and is ideally located as a key route which links the town centre to the riverside.

It’s hoped that when the regeneration project is finished the area will be a hub for skills and independent businesses which bring diversity, education and creativity to the town.

Councillor Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Property, said: ‘These are exciting plans that will see a big investment in improving the lives of people and communities who live and work in Castleford.

‘We want to encourage businesses and the creative sector to choose the town as their base and help us rediscover Castleford as a distinct riverside market town.

‘To achieve our aim of making Castleford a centre of business and creative excellence we are also investing in transport links, to boost connections between the railway and bus stations, town centre, riverside and other locations.

‘Better signage, more greenery and new street furniture will be the final touches to the new appearance of Castleford whilst maintaining its rich heritage.’

The first stage of the project will focus on improving shop fronts, with grants of £12,000 available to each business with a shop front facing the street.

Further improvements are due to be made in Castleford thanks to a major investment programme, the Castleford Strategic Regeneration Framework, which is planned to be worth £24m.

Four projects in total are expected for the area in coming years which have been endorsed by residents, businesses, councillors and other stakeholders at a series of engagement events in 2020.

Redevelopment is also planned for the riverside, with new public spaces, commercial attractions, a future housing development and new space for business relocations and start-ups.

Henry Moore Square, in the centre of the town, will also receive significant investment focused on community and event space to support the high street and create a principal meeting place in the town.

Photo by Mark Potterton