Castleford Together Board

The Castleford Together Board was set up to involve the community, in planning the town's future.

They helped develop the Council's long-term strategy for Castleford Town Centre.

This has supported the development of several successful regeneration funding bids.

£23.9 million Town Deal for Castleford (Local Regeneration Fund)
£20 million Pride in Places Programme (Phase 1)

Castleford Together Board Membership

The Castleford Together Board is a multi-sector partnership committed to inclusive regeneration. A comprehensive skills audit (Summer 2025) confirmed the board’s collective strengths in:

Local insight

Many members live or work in Castleford. They bring lived experience and professional networks.

Community engagement and inclusivity

Proven experience in co-production, consultation, EDI, and youth engagement.

Communication and advocacy

Skilled in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and place branding.

Sector specific expertise

Representation from education, housing, health, heritage, sustainability, and transport.

Strategic leadership and governance

Majority of members hold senior leadership roles. They have governance and cross-sector collaboration experience.

Economic growth and regeneration

Deep knowledge of urban regeneration. Funding mechanisms, and local economic conditions.

Finance and delivery

Strong capabilities in financial planning, project management, and impact evaluation.

Leadership Structure

Chair: Steve Harrison (Heart of Yorkshire Castleford College)

About yourself

I have worked in Further Education for the past 20 years across the West Yorkshire region, initially specialising in Sports and Public Services delivery and now as a college Director. In my career I have worked within the Castleford and Wakefield area for several years and as the Local College Director of Castleford College, I am in the fortunate position to work closely with Castleford's local community on a daily basis.

Why does Castleford matter to you?

Although I am not from Castleford, I am a proud Yorkshire man. I have many years of experience working for the people Castleford and the surrounding areas. I am passionate about seeing the town and surrounding areas thrive.
I strongly believe that a good education, the right opportunities, and a positive environment is key to success and for a better, more prosperous life.
I trust that the Castleford Together Board can deliver this. I am dedicated towards seeing Castleford become a vibrant town. With fantastic services accessible to all our communities. 

Vice Chair: Cllr Denise Jeffery (Leader of Wakefield Council)

About yourself

I have been a local Councillor for Castleford for 22 years. I became Leader of Wakefield Council in December 2019. Before this I was Deputy Leader for 11 years.

I have a family history in mining. I have been Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Coal Mining Museum for England. I also Chair the West Yorkshire Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee.

I am a keen Castleford Tigers fan. And I enjoy reading and relaxing with holidays on the Yorkshire coast. 

Why does Castleford matter to you?

Castleford has been an important part of my life for the last 22 years. I am one of the local councillors for the Castleford Central and Glasshoughton ward.

I love the feel of the town - the people are so friendly and welcoming. I truly believe in the regeneration of Castleford. We have some great plans, some of which are already taking shape. I’m excited to see the changes over the next few years. And the opportunities these will bring to the people of Castleford. 

Voting Members

Voting Members include representatives from:

parliamentary representation (Yvette Cooper MP)
local government
anchor institutions (Castleford College, Castleford Academy Trust)
police
business (Noble Homes, Vico Homes, Castleford Tigers)
community and civic groups (Castleford Heritage Trust, The Hut, Civic Society)

Council Representatives

Membership is regularly reviewed to ensure relevance, diversity, and alignment with regeneration priorities.

Local Regeneration Fund - Castleford

The Local Regeneration Fund consolidates central government's local growth capital funds. (Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals, and the Pathfinder Pilot). Local Regeneration Fund - GOV.UK.

Local Regeneration Fund projects in Castleford reporting progress to the Castleford Together Board:

Castleford Riverside – making the most of the river as a destination, through:
- green public spaces
- commercial attractions
- improvements at Queens Mill will also create new space for business relocation and start-ups.
Castleford Sagar Street project – Transforming Sagar Street into a creative business and enterprise quarter
- this will provide a revitalised link between the town centre and the riverside
Heart of Castleford – Creating a new centrepiece for the town centre by expanding and enhancing Henry Moore Square
- this will give an exciting mix of flexible spaces for food, beverage and other leisure uses
Castleford Connections – Helping people get around Castleford easier with:
- better signage and way finding
- seating in more locations
- improvements to urban greening across the town centre to help people get around Castleford.

Pride in Places Programme (Phase 1) Castleford

Castleford is one of the 75 towns eligible for Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) funding. It now has a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to build on the success of its Town Deal regeneration plans. To extend their impact and realise Castleford’s ambitious vision.

PiPP funding will enable Castleford to supercharge its regeneration plans. And unlock Castleford’s full potential, by:

enhancing current Town Deal projects to enable a more ambitious town centre regeneration approach, with new development opportunities - more comprehensive public realm improvements and better access and connectivity initiatives
accelerating progress for key strategic development sites - to bring new housing and catalyst projects to encourage further investment
empowering grassroots initiatives that deliver visible, meaningful improvements and foster community pride
unlocking barriers to regeneration that are currently hindering progress - such as complex site assembly
Castleford’s regeneration is more than a series of projects - it is a shared journey toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient future - combining strategic investment with strong local leadership - community engagement, and a clear delivery framework - Castleford is well-positioned to realise its full potential - PiPP funding will ensure that Castleford continues to grow with purpose
strengthening governance and transparency - by aligning the PiPP funding stream under the Castleford Together Board - to ensure joined-up decision-making and approach to delivery, and shared accountability

The Castleford Pride in Place Programme Regeneration Plan was submitted to MHCLG on 27 November 2025. Approval of the submission is expected Spring 2026.

Further updates to follow.