Castleford connections
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The Council has secured £23.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to help transform Castleford.
This funding is supporting a number of projects, including Castleford Riverside, Castleford Boho (Sagar Street), Heart of Castleford, and Castleford Connections. Together, they will help create a vibrant and distinctive riverside market town.
The projects will attract new businesses, bring more visitors into the town centre, and create new opportunities for local people. They will also provide attractive public spaces that everyone can enjoy.
The plans have been shaped by extensive public consultation and have been endorsed by the Castleford Together Board, which continues to work with the Council to help deliver them.
When the funding was first approved, the projects were at an early concept stage and costs were based on initial estimates. Since then, detailed design work and further consultation have helped refine the proposals and ensure they reflect the realities of delivering the projects on the ground.
About Castleford Connections
Castleford Connections is designed to make it easier for people to travel into, through and around the town centre.
The first phase focuses on improving links around Castleford Train Station, helping pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists move more easily between the station, the town centre, the bus station and the riverside.
The project includes:
Clearer signage
New and improved signs will help people find key destinations such as Castleford Market, heritage attractions, the riverside, car parks and public transport links.
More greenery
New planting and landscaping will make public spaces more attractive, support biodiversity and help create a greener town centre.
Better seating
New seating will be installed in key locations across Castleford, providing comfortable places to rest and making the town centre more accessible for everyone.
Impact
The first phase of Castleford Connections will improve access between the train station and the town centre.
Future phases will explore opportunities to improve connections to Xscape, Junction 32, and the wider Housing Zone surrounding the town.
Progress Update
A number of improvements have already been completed.
Around the train station, additional CCTV cameras have been installed, and street lighting has been upgraded to improve safety and security.
The former Welbeck Street overhead canopy has been removed, transforming an area that was previously associated with anti-social behaviour into a safer and more welcoming route between the station and the town centre.
In 2025, new lighting was installed along key routes through the town, and several new public artworks were unveiled. Beancroft Subway has benefitted from upgraded lighting, and new public artwork.
In 2026, signage across the town will be upgraded, making it easier for residents and visitors to find popular destinations such as Castleford Market, heritage attractions, the riverside, transport hubs and car parks.
Timeline
Early 2024: Train station connectivity work began.
Spring 2025: Train station connectivity work completed.
May 2025: New mural installed on Welbeck Street.
Autumn 2025: Wider town centre connectivity work begins.
Spring 2027: Wider town centre connectivity work completed.