Castleford Regeneration The Big Town Plan: The Town Centre

Comments

1. We visited Junction 32 (Freeport Castleford at the time those inserts were filmed) on Saturday, and went on to Cass itself. The bridge is fantastic and well worth the money, it was still acting as a focus for people taking a stroll by the river. The market stalls were great in their new location, but the empty shell of the old market was disappointing. However not as disappointing as the new square, which after having so much money spent on it looked, er allright. It was OK, but dull and uninspiring, so dull we didn't notice we were passing throuh such a focal point until we'd gone right past it. A waste of time, if not money.

   Posted by Biscit on 01/09/2008 10:12:08

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
2. I found it strange how the programme championed the designers and not the client (the Council)at the end of the day it the clients decision. Unforuntately you carnt take into consideration if you have a poor client. The programme unearthed a number failings. What I found interesting is that the Council`s performance was excellent compared to that of our National Regeneration Agency English Partnerships. Its a bit concerning that they carnt get it right. It raises the question how many more time will they get it wrong. I dont think you can force change.

   Posted by Harry Cross on 28/08/2008 20:57:46

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
3. A bridge is not going to bring people to Castleford. I can't believe so much money has gone in to it, when there are so many other things that need changing and updating in Castleford. Plus, it is completely unnecessary as there is a bridge over the same river less than 100 metres away.

   Posted by Sophie Peel on 28/08/2008 12:32:58

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
4. Its the same old same old poor attempt by Wakefield Council to change an area. They havent got a clue neither have the so called experts undertaking the project. It is the same old thing about physical regeneration. You can change the place but you wont change the people. I was quite impressed that Wakefield Council stood up and took the blame for what only can be classed as the biggest waste of publicc funds since time began. You have got to question the local authoritys role in delivering regeneration. They lack skills, ability and cash. David Burke

   Posted by David Burke on 26/08/2008 21:01:01

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
5. I think that the ethos of this series is fantastic in that it is empowering the locals to make decisions over their environment and getting them to sort it out. For the areas that are being developed this is important as the locals will need to manage/enforce the safe use of the space and keep the louts at bay! The biggest shame about the projects, to date, is that the council has booted the locals off the projects and taken over thinking that they know what their electorate want... and both times they have failed to deliver what is wanted/needed. It just smacks of a Labour council out of touch and wasting money!!!

   Posted by David Cross on 26/08/2008 14:50:02

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
6. I was so sad to see this weeks Market and Square episode. What a wasted opportunity!!!!!!!!! They could have done so much and the council were very shortsighted! I do take their concerns about vandalism into account but they were supposed to be making a definite change not just a touch up job. I can't believe they were willing to spend so much money on the park designed my the American lady which nobody is using seemingly and short change Castleford in the heart of the place.

   Posted by DoctorGrimble on 26/08/2008 14:17:26

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment