Castleford Town Centre Partnership Action Plan 2007 2008

1. Castleford Town Centre PartnershipAction Plan 2007 � 2008 

3. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan Page Foreword 3 Contents 4 Partnership Statement 5 Introduction 7 Membership 8 SWOT Analysis 9 Strategic Priorities 13 1.0 Riverside & Gateways 14 2.0 Transport & Access 15 3.0 Heritage & Learning 16 4.0 Events & Environment 17 Specific Targets- Riverside & Gateways 18 Specific Targets- Transport & Access 22 Specific Targets- Heritage & Learning 26 Specific Targets- Events & Environment 30 Delivery 34 Project Details 35 The Directors 39

4. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan The Castleford Town Centre Partnership Ltd. The Partnership was established to drive forward the regeneration of Castleford, to raise civic pride and a sense of community, and to promote and develop Castleford Town Centre as a good investment opportunity. Our aim is to encourage the private, public and voluntary sectors to work together to create a prosperous town centre reflecting its unique character and rich history, and create a quality environment for its residents, workers, customers and visitors.

5. Mission Statement : The vision of Castleford Town Centre Partnership Ltd for the town centre is: �We want to develop Castleford�s position as a proud market town with a unique character and individuality, reflecting it�s rich history and building for future prosperity of the town. We strive to implement initiatives providing a safe and secure environment and creating a quality shopper and visitor experience.� Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

6. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan To co-ordinate retail, commercial, cultural, entertainment, tourism and leisure activities in the external public areas of the Castleford Town Centre To encourage the private, public and voluntary sectors to work together to provide a prosperous and vibrant Town Centre and promote a quality environment within Castleford Town Centre for visitors, customers, workers and residents To promote and support the highest possible standards of urban design and management for buildings and public spaces within Castleford Town Centre To promote a safe, clean and managed Town Centre during the day and night, catering for visitors of all ages and local residents To promote increased access to Castleford Town Centre by public transport as well as access to and safety around the Town Centre for cyclists and pedestrians To co-ordinate the views of Town Centre organisations and businesses to ensure the consultation and involvement of all Town Centre stakeholders in the production and ongoing development of this Action Plan

7. The Partnership became a Limited Company without Guarantee in the Summer of 2003. The Directorship spans many disciplines including retail, local charities and local Ward Councillors, representing more than eleven organisations. There are also several subgroups of the Partnership including The Heritage Trust, Riverside, Town Centre, and others who work out the detail and deliver specific aims. These are led by Board members who report to the Executive Committee. Each Director devotes his or her time and energies on a purely voluntary basis in pursuance of these goals. Many hundreds of hours have been spent debating and now delivering the vision that is the Castleford Town Centre Strategy. Together with our sponsors, Wakefield Council, we have started a journey to promote the delivery of�many new and exciting projects over the coming years. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

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9. Strengths Shopping is central to town and easily accessed Compact Shopping Area Good rail and bus links with all services within easy reach of town centre Carlton Lanes- Outdoor Shopping indoors! Range of lower price smaller supermarkets Close to Motorway network New Henry Moore Square on Carlton Street Vibrant Indoor and Outdoor Market Vibrant Street Market Good Good car parking around town centre Range of lower priced goods Newly refurbished Pedestrian Area An active Town Centre Partnership Convenient access from surrounding suburbs Good Road network- close to M1, M62 & A1 Well used Library Service Active Community Groups Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

10. Weaknesses A lack of better quality retailers within the town A lack of medium and large retail units within the town General levels of cleanliness within the town centre Nothing to attract tourists Gateways to town don�t create a sense of arrival Approaches by foot look neglected Perceived shortage of car parking Disabled parking provision poorly placed in the town Car Parking Charges Lack of choice of hotels for visitors Lack of co-ordination from Councils service deliverers Few medium and high priced goods on offer- Poor retail mix Business don�t always have a commitment to maintain the areas around their premises Litter and rubbish around the town Poor marketing of town Lack of types of venues for evening economy for families and older people Empty Shops River cuts community in half Too many fast food outlets Few tourist attractions Library building is outdated with no disabled access Council Services are out of town Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

13. The Strategic Priorities Riverside & Gateways: To improve the main gateways to the town centre and develop the riverside as an asset. Transport & Access: Integrate transport, make Castleford an easy option to visit, and develop a new river crossing between the town centre and the north bank of the River Aire. Heritage & Learning: Promote and develop opportunities for learning and develop Castleford�s hidden heritage. Events & Environment: Promote and develop the appeal of the town centre for a wide range of shoppers and improve the appearance of the town centre. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

14. 1.0 Riverside & Gateways: 1.1 Work with stakeholders to develop and promote the riverside public space. 1.2 Support ongoing developments for the river crossing between the town centre and north bank of the River Aire. 1.3 Develop partnership working to improve the main traffic gateways to the town centre. 1.4 Work with stakeholders to improve pedestrian gateways to town centre. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

15. 2.0 Transport & Access: 2.1 Support Metro in the development of a new bus and rail transport interchange. 2.2 Work with the Police, Wakefield Council and stakeholders to enhance car parking facilities. 2.3 Work with the Police and Wakefield Council to ensure clear access ways for pedestrians and vehicles. 2.4 Ensure disabled access provision is adequate and in suitable positions, given the changing patterns of use within the town centre. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

16. 3.0 Heritage & Learning: 3.1 Support and continue to lobby for the building of the Castleford Forum. 3.2 Promote learning through partnership working. 3.3 Develop ways to celebrate Castleford�s rich heritage. 3.2 Utilise every available opportunity to include learning provision. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

17. 4.0 Events & Environment: 4.1 Support Wakefield Council* host specific events in Castleford Town Centre. 4.2 Support and encourage Wakefield Council Markets Service in its programme of improvements. 4.3 Improve the built environment by supporting a programme of continual renovation and renewal. 4.4 Work with stakeholders to develop �Castleford in Bloom�. *Events, Arts & Tourism Service

18. 1.1 Riverside Walk Context: Castleford�s industrial past turned its back on the River Aire. Today the river is quiet, tranquil and feels remarkably rural, even as it passes through the town. The Riverside Walk Project was identified in Hudson�s Town Centre Improvement Plan 2004. Aim: To encourage the river to be enjoyed and open the opportunity to develop a tourist trail. Objective: To encourage people to walk more, and develop understanding and enjoyment of their local environment. Action: To lobby Wakefield Council and actively encourage those who want to help develop open walkways and improved access around the river, to achieve their aims. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

19. 1.2 Castleford Footbridge Context: Castleford Town Centre is constrained by the railway and the River Aire. A new upgraded underpass has been built under the railway, however the suburbs to the north of the town are cut off by the river. This project was identified in Hudson�s Town Centre Improvement Plan 2004. Aim: To connect the northern suburbs of the town with the town centre. Objective: To encourage people to access the town centre on foot, and to develop a scenic continuous walkway by the little used riverside. Action: A well established project to build a footbridge is in place, with design and contractors chosen. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

20. 1.3 Creation of Gateways Context: Castleford Town Centre is vibrant and compact. If entered by road there is little to give a true sense of arrival. This is by no means a unique problem. However, with nearby purpose-built out of town shopping experiences, Castleford needs to offer a real sense of arrival, especially to first time visitors to the town. Aim: To improve the visual image of the main access roads into the town. Objective: To work with Wakefield Council and other active partners to develop and improve specific gateway areas to the town. Action: To lobby for improvements and support organisations willing to turn this vision into a reality. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

21. 1.4 Beancroft Road Underpass Context: Beancroft Road Underpass is a main pedestrian link with Castleford Town Centre. The underpass dates back over 100 years and is very well used. Aim: To improve the appearance of this main pedestrian thoroughfare linking a large suburban area with the town centre. Making citizens feel safer and improving their quality of life. Objective: To encourage people to walk into the town centre. This ties into the target to improve gateways to the town and access to the town centre, and the themed strategic priority Access and Transport. Action: To implement a project to repaint the ceiling, clean and tidy the walls, entrance and exits to Beancroft Road Underpass. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

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27. 3.2 Carlton Street Co-op Context: The Carlton Street Co-op store has closed. In the short term the empty building has been boarded to protect the glass windows. This reflects on the surrounding area and gives a poor impression. Aims: To improve the appearance of the main shopping street, engaging children in the project to help community cohesion, improving the visual appearance of the site, and generally improving the quality of life. Objective: This project ties into the target to improve gateways to the town and the themed strategic priorities heritage and learning, and improved open public space. Action: To paint a mural on the boarded windows of the former Co-op store until a new owner can be found. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

28. 3.3 Roman Bath House Context: The site of the Roman Bath House has been marked by a small insignificant plaque. The Partnership want to celebrate Castleford�s hidden heritage, putting it on the map. Many people in Castleford don�t realise the history under their feet. Aim: To install an information board giving an informed interpretation of what the site would have looked like when the Romans were in Castleford. Objective: To increase public awareness of Castleford�s long history, tying this into the wider pedestrian initiatives around the town. Action: To encourage and support volunteers to actively seek funding and partners to make this become a reality. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

29. 3.4 Promote learning through partnership working Context: Castleford is in a period of change. Whenever regeneration opportunities arise the partnership is aware that as many people as possible need to be able to take advantage of the situation. This project was identified in the Castleford Town Centre Strategy 2002- 12. Aim: As the Partnership plays a major role in the co-ordination of projects, each project should be looked at to see if there are any wider learning opportunities which can be utilised to help extend the scope of the project and enhance the learning opportunities for the wider community. Objectives: To increase the learning opportunities for the wider community, and maximise project benefits. Action: The Partnership will work with any other organisations to ensure that where possible all learning opportunities identified can be taken advantage of. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

30. 4.1 Public Events Context: The regeneration work within Castleford has created a newly laid out public square with bespoke street furniture on Carlton Street. Aim: To promote the town as a destination for shopping and family orientated leisure activities. Objective: To instigate a series of events to utilise the new public space and maximise the town�s potential. Action: To work with and support Wakefield Council* to develop event opportunities within Castleford. *Events, Arts & Tourism Service Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

31. 4.2 Castleford Markets Context: The Partnership recognises that markets bring a vibrancy and make a positive contribution to public spaces. Aim: To encourage the market to develop and grow. Objective: To promote and extend the appeal of the town as a retail centre. Action: The Partnership will support Wakefield Council and market traders to implement projects that help promote and expand the shopping provision. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

32. 4.3 The Built Environment Context: The Partnership recognises that towns are in a constant state of flux. This collection of peaks and troughs can be tracked through the many and varied buildings within a town. For a town to continue to develop and become more successful, external investment is needed. This project was identified in the Castleford Town Centre Strategy 2002-12. Aim: To improve Castleford by increasing the range of shops, services and facilities on offer. Objective: To encourage companies, statutory authorities, funding bodies and developers to invest in Castleford. Action: The Partnership will actively support any organisation seeking to meet these aims and objectives. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

33. 4.4 Castleford in Bloom Context: Wakefield in Bloom was developed around Wakefield City Centre. As a project it is viewed very positively by the public. It was envisaged to roll this out across the district, and Castleford should play a part in this. Aim: To develop Castleford in Bloom with a community based approach encouraging business and community participation and sponsorship. Objective: To brighten up and improve the town centre environment bringing green and floral displays together with a co-ordinated approach to environmental issues. Action: Form a Castleford in Bloom steering group to oversee and co-ordinate this project. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan

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39. Castleford Town Centre Action Plan Mark Burns-Williamson Councillor & Chair John Munday Carlton Lanes Tenants Association & Deputy Chair Dave Wilders Friends of Castleford Library Liz Murphy Groundwork Wakefield Lorna Malkin Yorkshire Art Circus Angie Cockcroft Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre Alison Drake Castleford Heritage Trust Paul Sikora Wakefield First Eric Crossland Castleford Male Voice Choir Hughie Hartley Market Traders Association Reg Lavine Castleford Civic Trust Phil Rooney Marks & Spencer Paul Roberts Metro Peter Box Councillor Denise Jeffery Councillor Heather Hudson Councillor Yvonne Crewe Councillor Anthony Wallis Councillor Darren Travis Councillor Sylvia Harris Nestle

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