Another £7m worth of investment planned for town
Wakefield Council and other public sector partners have invested more than £27m in Pontefract in the last three years with the completion of more than 30 regeneration projects.
The projects are detailed in the just-published Pontefract Action Plan Update 2021.
The plan, first launched in 2018, tracks 74 projects which aim to improve the local environment and economy, create sustainable communities and a vibrant and better-connected town centre.
Projects delivered in the last year includes the opening of the new state of the art Aspire@ThePark leisure centre, improvements to the outdoor market, steps taken to plan delivery of the Masterplan and other preparatory work for improvements in the town.
The council says it is currently planning another £7m worth of investment over the next two years as other projects continue.
Upcoming work, which will again involve partners, includes the Streets for People public realm upgrade on Horsefair and investment to repair the lake in Pontefract Park, as well as improvements to the indoor market and Monkhill railway station.
Councillor Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and property, said: “We are really proud of what has been achieved over the last three years in Pontefract and this investment in the town is so important for future generations.
“There are lots of exciting projects still underway and we will continue to work closely with our strategic partners, businesses and community groups in all aspects of the work we are doing in Pontefract so we can realise the benefits we have set out to deliver in the future.”
Paul Cartwright, chairman of Pontefract Civic Society, added: “The Civic Society helped create the Pontefract Action Plan and we’re proud of the progress made and achievements gained in the last three years.
“The Action Plan draws together a range of activities, from big projects like the new leisure hub to smaller scale events like the ‘Light Up’ before Christmas which have potential for expansion.
“Consultation for an enhanced Horsefair alongside the creation of the Masterplan has set the tone and ambition for the future, underlining the potential that our historic town has.
“We will continue to work hard alongside the council and partners to make sure that potential is realised so that the aspirations of our residents can be achieved.”
