Lateral Property Group has announced proposals for a new stadium for Castleford Tigers Rugby League Club to be funded by an enabling retail development. The developers have entered into discussions with Wakefield Council for plans to develop a major site at Glasshoughton, adjacent to Junction 32 of the M62. The £135 million investment into Castleford will bring a new retail offer to the town, along with a Country Park and significant highways improvements. As many as 2,000 jobs would be created at the site as a result of this development.
The 10,000 capacity stadium would be funded in its entirety by an enabling retail development. Designed to meet Super League requirements, the purpose-built stadium will provide administration, changing facilities, restaurants and hospitality areas, with a mixture of both seating and standing terraces.
The enabling retail development will include a new foodstore and petrol station, together with a range of complementary retail units designed to attract high quality retail brands.
The development will also create a new iconic 50 acre Country Park. Lateral are in advanced discussions with The Land Trust who are specialists in designing and managing land for community benefit. Locally, The Land Trust own Fryston Country Trails.
The company has already entered into discussions with the Highways Agency and the local highways authority. This regeneration project will see significant new private sector investment to fund improvements in the local road network. It is intended that vehicles will enter and exit the site from a brand new junction off Park Road.
Philip Lunn, Managing Director of Lateral Property Group said: “In addition to delivering this new stadium for Castleford Tigers, the enabling retail development could bring a massive boost to the local economy. We have had very positive conversations with some of the biggest names in UK retail and we expect to be able to make further announcements soon.
“We estimate that around 2,000 jobs will be created at the site, along with another 680 during construction. Overall, the development will see around £135 million being invested into the local community.
“As a responsible developer, as part of our planning application process we are keen to consult with the local community on the proposals. We will make a further announcement about our public consultation shortly.”
Jack Fulton, Chairman of Castleford Tigers said: “Clearly this is a very exciting opportunity for Castleford Tigers to finally get a home fit for the 21st Century. A new stadium will provide the foundations of a bright new future for the club and much needed facilities for the wider Castleford community. Where previously other plans have not materialised, Castleford Tigers are confident that Lateral Property Group can deliver this new stadium for the club.”
Ruth Potter from The Land Trust said: “The opportunity to create a new country park of the scale proposed for Glasshoughton is rare. It is great for us to be involved right at the beginning of the process working with all stakeholders to help shape the country park to really benefit the local community.”
Lateral Property Group has appointed Leeds-based GMI Construction as the principal contractor for the scheme, subject to planning approval.
Jarrod Best, Managing Director of GMI Construction said: “GMI Construction has extensive experience of building sports stadiums, including most recently the New York Stadium for Rotherham United Football Club. GMI Construction has supported Lateral on a range of developments across the UK and we look forward to working again with the company on this excellent local project.”
Before a planning application is submitted the proposals will be the subject of public consultation, including an exhibition. Details of these events will be provided in due course.
Subject to planning approval, it is anticipated that construction would begin during 2015 and the new stadium would be ready for the 2017 season with the retail opening later that year.
