Council kicks off £24m town regeneration scheme

Wakefield Council is beginning a regeneration of Castleford by launching a project to transform Sagar Street into a creative business and skills quarter.

The area is a key route that links the town centre to the riverside and will become known as “Castleford Boho”.

The first stage of the work is a shop front improvement scheme, with grants of up to £12,000, offered to each business with a shop front facing onto the street.

When work is complete, the Castleford Boho area will be a hub for skills and independent, innovative businesses that bring diversity, education and creative thinking to the town.

This scheme is the first step in a major investment programme, guided by the Castleford Strategic Regeneration Framework.

Wakefield Council is planning to spend nearly £24m, which is to be made available from the Government’s Towns Fund.

Sagar Street was identified as an important link between Henry Moore Square in the centre of town and the riverside, both of which will see significant investment to turn them into vibrant destinations.

The redevelopment of the riverside will include new public spaces and commercial attractions, laying the groundwork for future housing development along with more space for business relocation and start-ups at Queens Mill.

Henry Moore Square is set to become the “Heart of Castleford” with a focus on community and event space to positively support the high street.

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 while maintaining its rich heritage.”