The Castleford Project, West Yorkshire

What?

• The Castleford Project is a regeneration initiative which is supported by Channel 4; Wakefield Council; key regeneration agencies and local residents
• The programme aims to deliver £11 million of improvements to Castleford’s public spaces and spark new confidence in the former coal-mining town
• The programme has involved the creation of four new heritage trails in the town, developed by local artists working with the community
• A former shop has been renovated to provide exhibition space and a community venue. The gallery has exhibited early Henry Moore works, since the sculptor was born in Castleford, and has hosted artists’ workshops
• A community media project is part of the programme, with documentaries broadcast on the Community Channel. The project is also featured in the Channel 4 series Kevin McCloud and the Big Town Plan

When?

• Beginning in 2003 the project has run for the last five years

How?

• The Castleford project has been advised on by prominent figures in UK regeneration and redevelopment, and supported by Channel Four Television; City of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council; The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE); Arts Council England, Yorkshire; English Partnerships; Yorkshire Forward; Groundwork UK and The Coalfields Regeneration Trust
• To date Arts Council England has committed over £172,000 to the programme

Summary