Wakefield Council is poised to select a developer to accelerate housing and regeneration projects in Castleford.
The local authority wants to fast-track long-term schemes planned for the town and assist its transformation into a 'distinctive riverside market town. '. Senior councillors are expected to endorse proposals for launching a procurement exercise to secure a strategic regeneration partner capable of delivering a ten to 15-year economic growth strategy.
Significant redevelopment initiatives are already progressing in Castleford following the council's success in obtaining £23m of government Town Deal funding in 2019. Projects encompass a comprehensive overhaul of the town centre and establishing a new public park alongside the River Aire.
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The town has additionally been classified as a housing zone with emphasis on residential development at prime riverside locations.
A cabinet report stated: "As the second largest settlement in the district, Castleford, with a population of circa 40,200 people, has significant opportunities for economic growth and regeneration."
The document highlighted that Castleford could capitalise on its "ideally placed" road, rail and bus links to Leeds, Manchester, York and Wakefield. It continued: "Castleford has the capacity to accommodate a significant student and office worker population, along with a substantial number of new homes.
"This growth will significantly boost footfall and create new opportunities for the town centre. With the right level of investment, the town can fulfil its potential and evolve into a vibrant, sustainable, and distinctive riverside market town, playing a key role in the economic future of both the district and the wider West Yorkshire region."
Earlier this year, the authority rolled out a comparable initiative in Wakefield, bringing Muse on board to spearhead a raft of revitalisation projects earmarked for the city.
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The council report says: "The selected partner will be expected to bring their expertise to the forefront, playing a key role in supporting delivery and the development of a comprehensive regeneration plan and investment strategy to drive forward long-term regeneration and growth opportunities across Castleford."
Council leader Denise Jeffery said: "Castleford has a strong identity, and its residents are incredibly proud of where they come from. Town centres have changed massively in recent years, and I'm determined to ensure we have a thriving and distinctive town centre residents deserve.
"Castleford has great potential as a key driver of housing and economic growth for our whole region. Working with a strategic regeneration partner will help us to revitalise the town centre and bring new housing, businesses and jobs.
"Plans to regenerate Castleford riverside, invest in the town centre, and improve connections across the town are underway. You'll increasingly see activity on the ground throughout this year. But we want to do even more and take full advantage of Castleford's great connectivity, affordable housing, and unique heritage."
Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Growth, Jack Hemingway, added: "Our strategic regeneration partner will enable us to realise the potential there is for sustained economic growth in Castleford. We want to get the right mix of retail, commercial, residential and leisure to get the town moving forwards and to give our residents what they need and want.
"Bringing new investment, jobs and homes into the town will support existing businesses with more footfall. We also want to develop more high-quality office space to take advantage of Castleford's strong transport links to Leeds, Wakefield, York and Manchester.
"Our regeneration partner will play a crucial role in working with us to take advantage of these opportunities and help build a better future for everyone in Castleford."
The cabinet members are set to deliberate on the report in a meeting scheduled for July 22.