The Castleford Growth Delivery Plan is a visionary blueprint for unlocking the economic potential of Castleford over the next 15 to 20 years and builds upon the work that has already taken place in the town centre and wider area.

Aims

• Creation of over 2000 new jobs.
• Development of 3000 additional homes
• Provide protection and enhancement of the existing retail offer in Castleford town centre
• Enhancement of the area’s natural assets including the river Aire, Fairburn Ings and Fryston Country Trails
• Improvement of the visual quality of the town centre providing a platform for a diverse evening economy
• Maximizing the benefits from Castleford’s excellent location and accessibility within the region
• Creation of a supportive environment, encouraging private sector investment in offices, retail and residential spaces to provide a better quality of life for Castleford residents.

The plans for regeneration of Castleford are based on the aspirations of local people and businesses. The Council has reviewed the outcome of the 2012 public and business consultation and in September approved additional work to be undertaken on the plan which incorporates this feedback. A dedicated officer team has now been established to drive the delivery phase forward together with other local partners and this group reports through to a Project Board chaired by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Box.

In the short-term the Growth Plan will focus on improving the town centre, with mid to long term schemes providing key transport improvements, critical infrastructure, new homes and jobs. The Plan will anchor and support private sector investment and unlock key development sites to encourage economic growth.

Infrastructure

• Castleford bus station – Metro are leading on proposals for a new £4m bus station for the town. The project is currently being designed and plans are expected to go on public display early in 2013. The existing bus station will be demolished and proposals under consideration include new customer facilities incorporating modern ticketing facilities, retail and café space, new landscaping and improved public realm connecting the bus station with the town centre and the existing train station. It is anticipated that the new bus station will be fully operational in late summer 2014. The Council and Metro are looking at the potential to incorporate a new public artwork as a gateway feature into the site.
  
  Find out more about the redevelopment of Castleford bus station and comment on the plans at the events on 13, 14 and 16 March
  
  
• Access Road - Additional feasibility work is under way for a proposed access road route, to open up sites and ease congestion throughout the Growth Plan area.

Jobs

• The Council is in discussion with developers across the Growth Plan area about issues to unlock development and growth in Castleford. This includes the potential to develop a marketing and communications strategy for the town jointly with the private sector.
  
  
• A programme of enterprise, education and internships between the business and education sectors is currently being developed as part of a district wide initiative.
  
  
• The Council has submitted a full business case application for ERDF funding for a comprehensive package of support for start-up and young businesses as part of a district wide initiative.

Housing

• Navigation Point - Merlion Capital has secured over £1m from the Government’s Getting Britain Building fund to kickstart development on the site of the former Lambson's chemical works. The contractors Amenbury started on site in summer 2012 to commence remediation and infrastructure works and develop a first phase of 279 homes. The development will bring back into use 40 acres of brownfield land. The housing will be a mix of First Time Buyer (x66) and family homes with construction of these commencing autumn 2012.
  
  
• Fryston – The Council completed soft market testing for the site in August, and following discussion with developers is now updating the development brief with the aim to release the site in 2013 through the Homes and Communities Agency’s Developer Panel.

Green/blue/heritage –

• Fryston Community facility – the Council has agreed to enter into a 25 year lease with the Castleford Heritage Trust for the lease of a new community facility adjacent to Fryston Country Trails. The Council is currently finalising costs with the community partners and the Homes and Communities Agency, who have offered funding towards the installation of the building. CHT will be looking to raise funding towards the management and maintenance costs of running the building and to support community engagement activity. The building is currently expected on site in spring 2013.
  
  
• Riverside Trail – The Castleford Heritage Trust are working with Sheffield Hallam University to develop and promote a riverside trail from Whitwood to Fryston highlighting the heritage and recreational benefits of the area. The project is expected to be funded by Yorkshire Water and is likely to complete in 2013.

Town centre

• Shopfronts - In September the Council approved £250,000 over three years towards a shopfront improvement scheme for the town centre, focusing initially on the Sagar Street, Carlton Street and Albion Street areas. It is hoped that the scheme, which will provide 50% of funding up to a maximum of £20k, will benefit up to 30 properties, to improve the façades and bring some vacant units back into use. Application packs have been distributed to all businesses on the relevant streets. The Council is also looking at the feasibility of improvements to the frontage of Castleford Market to attract additional footfall into the market.
  
  
• Carlton Street public realm – the Council has invested £335k into new public realm for Carlton Street including new paving, benches and tree planting from the Albion Street end through to Henry Moore Square. As part of the scheme the singular seats in the square have been replaced with new benches and the Council is exploring opportunities to donate the earlier seating to local schools. Works are scheduled to complete in January 2013.
  
  
• Castleford Forum – Building work started in February 2012 for the new Museum and Library known as the Forum. The old 1950s extension has been demolished to make way for a new 3 storey extension. Works to date have included restoration work to the original stone façade and to the original interior including refurbishment of the barrell vaulted ceiling and original staircase. The contractor will hand the building over to the Council early in the New Year when works will commence on the internal fit-out. It is expected that the building will be opened to the public in June 2013.
  
  
• Castleford Market – the Council is running a new business start-up initiative in the market to encourage people to try their hand at running a business from the market and encourage existing traders from other markets to try Castleford as a new outlet. The scheme allows trading free of charge for four weeks and then at a reduced rent for eight weeks after that, together with help and support from a designated business advisor. The scheme has already been taken up by a number of individuals, with more coming forward for advice and information.