Castleford has secured West Yorkshire’s first designated Housing Zone following the government’s spring budget announcement.
The Aire River Growth Corridor which covers 12 potential housing sites is one of twenty areas outside London to be chosen to speed up delivery of new homes on brownfield sites.
A joint bid for £8 million was put forward by the Council back in autumn 2014 with land owner Castleford Energy Village who will now put forward planning applications for preparation works and house building. Subject to planning approval, this site alone could deliver 1200 homes on the former Hickson and Welch site in Castleford, which is close to the town centre and to the waterside area.
This development will support existing regeneration initiatives taking place in the town at Navigation Point, the town centre and in Fryston and Airedale. The Housing Zone has the overall potential to deliver over 4000 new homes bringing new vitality to the neighbourhood and improving housing choice.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “I am thrilled with the news that our bid for a housing zone in Castleford has been accepted.
“This will bring much needed regeneration to the Castleford area as well as providing homes for families in the district, helping to boost our local economy and creating various jobs for people in the area.”
The Housing Zone forms part of the Castleford Growth Delivery Plan – a long term vision by the Council to regenerate the area, including plans being drawn up for a new Link Road and the opening of the new Castleford Bus Station earlier this year.
Kate Lahive
Communications Officer – Media and Campaigns Wakefield Council 01924 305294 KLahive@wakefield.gov.uk www.wakefield.gov.uk