New look town centre work under way

Work to further transform Castleford town centre begins next week, (Tuesday May 30). A £1.1m scheme has been designed by Hudson Architects. It is the eighth in the Castleford Project group of schemes to get underway. It will provide a high quality new public space, improving the look and feel of the heart of the town with:-

• New high quality granite paving
• Unique new seating designed specifically for Castleford
• New relaxed tree lined seating areas between Sagar Street and Wesley Street.

Funding has come from Wakefield Council, Yorkshire Forward and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The scheme is the second phase of improvement work which began in 2005 with the relocation of the outdoor market from behind Carlton Lanes shopping centre. The move has proved very successful, invigorating market trade. This new scheme is designed to make the town centre a more attractive place for shoppers and visitors, further boosting local trade. Work is due to complete by November 2006 and will be carried out by contractors CR Reynolds (Construction) Limited from East Yorkshire.

Chair of Castleford Town Centre Partnership Mark Burns-Williamson said: "I'm delighted that we have reached this stage with the programme of town centre improvements. This top quality architect designed scheme will significantly enhance the heart of Castleford making it more pleasant for all those who visit and trade. Please bear with us during the construction period . We apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused and ask local people to look forward to enjoying this new attractive public space."

The Castleford Project is a collaboration between Wakefield Council, Channel 4, key regeneration agencies and the community all committed to achieving 11 improvement projects. Progress is being filmed for Channel 4 by Talkback for a major television series featuring Kevin Mc Cloud of 'Grand Designs.' It will become the world's first televised regeneration scheme.

More information from Carmel O'Toole Castleford Project Communications Manager for more information on 07838 368813 cotoole@channel.co.uk