£50m facelift for former pit town

The scheme hopes to build on the success of the Xscape project

The former mining town of Castleford in West Yorkshire is to get a £50m facelift to boost the local economy.

The regeneration plan is proposed by Wakefield District Council and developer Edinburgh House, owner of the town's Carlton Lanes shopping centre.

It includes revamping the shopping centre and building a new library, museum, supermarket, parking facilities and 100 homes in the town centre.

The improvements should be seen towards the end of 2006, the council said.

Boost economy

Council leader and local ward member Peter Box said: "I am delighted that Castleford's potential as a thriving town centre is being realised with this major and high quality development.

"The Castleford plans are an important component in our overall programme for the regeneration of the district and will deliver a sustainable and long-term development."

The nearby Xscape project, Europe's largest indoor ski slope built on the site of the former Glasshoughton pit, has helped boost the local economy since opening in October 2003.

But the town centre is still suffering from the effects of pit closures.

'Long-term investment'

Tony Quayle, managing director of Edinburgh House Estates, said: "We are committed to the redevelopment of Castleford town centre and have a long-term investment interest.

"The proposals aim to enhance the retail offering, as well as provide improved community facilities for the residents of Castleford and surrounding areas."

The plans include better access to the town via Tittlecott Bridge and a 400-plus multi-storey car park. Edinburgh House also hopes to attract a hotel operator.

The huge scheme is to be developed alongside the Castleford Project, a regeneration scheme in the town which is being filmed as part of a Channel 4 TV series on communities working with designers to improve their own neighbourhoods.