Former Castleford church could become new youth hub and indoor skate park

A vacant former church building in Castleford could be transformed into a new youth hub, alternative education centre and indoor skate park if a change-of-use application submitted to Wakefield Council is approved.

The application, submitted by Frontside, a registered charity, seeks permission to change the use of St Michael’s and All Angels Church, St Michael’s Close, Smawthorne, from its former church use into a mixed community facility including education, youth activities, workshops and an indoor skate park.

The proposal says that the building, which has been unused since August 2024, would operate as an educational centre during daytime hours, supporting excluded and home-educated young people.

During afternoons, evenings and weekends, the building would become a youth hub, offering supervised skateboarding and scooting sessions, creative workshops, mentoring and community activities.

Frontside’s supporting planning statement says the project aims to “breathe new life into a redundant community asset” and create a space space for young people.

The plans would mean around £75,000 invested in internal refurbishment, including accessibility improvements, new facilities, an IT suite, community kitchen and a skate park.

The applicant said no external alterations to the building’s fabric were proposed.

A supporting statement added that the facility “will not operate as an unsupervised drop-in space”, with all sessions managed by trained youth workers.

The application has attracted 21 public comments so far, with 19 in support and two objections.

Supporters highlighted the lack of youth facilities locally and the benefits for children and families.

One resident wrote: “There are very limited activities available for young people during the school holidays, and having a safe, inclusive space where they can be active, creative and build friendships is invaluable.”

Another supporter said the proposal would provide “a safe space for young people and people of all ages to socialise, learn and develop self esteem”.

However, concerns have been raised by some nearby residents about noise, traffic and the impact on the residential street.

One objector said: “This proposal would fundamentally change the use of the building from a church, which has a relatively low impact on the surrounding area, to a skatepark and youth facility that would generate regular noise, increased traffic and disturbance in a small residential street.”

The same resident also raised concerns about evening opening hours, parking pressures and possible congregation outside the building.