'End the dither and delay': Regeneration partner to be appointed for West Yorkshire town

Wakefield Council is about to appoint a developer in a bid to speed up regeneration schemes in Castleford.

Senior councillors voted in favour of appointing a new strategic regeneration partner (SRP), stating the move would end the “dither and delay” in unlocking the town’s economic potential

A number of projects are already underway in Castleford after the council secured £23m of government Town Deal funding in 2019.

The town has been awarded a further £20m through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Schemes include a major revamp of the town centre and creating a new public park next to the river Aire.

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

A report said the SRP would “focus on revitalising the town centre and riverside, while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.”

The document also said: “Castleford is well positioned to capitalise on its strong locational advantages, benefitting from excellent road, rail, and bus connections to Leeds, Manchester, York, and Wakefield.

“Its connectivity is among the strongest in the region, with direct access to key transport corridors including the M62, A1, and M1, making the town an ideal hub for regeneration and investment.”

Reform UK took control of the council from Labour by winning 58 out of 63 council seats in May.

Matthew Pinder, portfolio holder for district regeneration and regional growth, told a cabinet meeting: “There have been a number of projects over a number of years that have been separately worked on.

“This is about bringing a co-ordinated, holistic approach for the rest of the regeneration of Castleford.

“We are being ambitious. It’s not just about Wakefield. It’s about Castleford, its about Pontefract, its about the outskirts

“We want to champion these areas and we will.”

Coun Pinder added: “Enough of the dither and delay. It’s time to deliver in Castleford and this is a good first step towards that.”

The meeting heard an SRP had already been identified by the council and cabinet members agreed to allow senior officers to finalise the agreement.

Later in the meeting, cabinet members agreed to accept an additional £5.7m of funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) for the Castleford Growth Corridor scheme

The council and WYCA are working in partnership to deliver the project, which is designed to improve journeys by connecting the town centre and Ferry Fryston via a new continuous, largely traffic-free route for people walking and cycling.

The route covers large areas of brownfield land, including the former Hickson and Welch chemical plant site and Wheldale Colliery, which have been earmarked for around 1,500 new homes.

Proposals include a new bridge over the railway on Wheldon Road, which the council granted planning permission for in December 2024.