Subject to funding, the Tigers want to remain at their current site, rather than move to new land at Junction 32 of the M62 near Glasshoughton, which is owned by developers Highgrove Group.
Highgrove is proposing to file a planning application over the summer that would change the use of the approved Axiom retail and entertainment development at Junction 32 to an employment site.
Rather than build a new stadium for the Tigers on that location, Highgrove agreed to provide funding for major improvements to Wheldon Road.
Funds raised by the proposed new employment development would complement Wakefield Council’s £2m grant to Castleford Tigers through its Rugby League Resilience Fund, announced late last year.
This reflects the mechanism of the recent planning approval that provides funds to redevelop Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue land.
The Tigers plan to demolish and rebuild the main grandstand and modernize the existing Princess Street, Railway End and Wheldon Road End grandstand.
The development includes new fan facilities, food and beverage outlets, four new locker rooms, a new gym, additional medical and physiotherapy facilities, new staff and foundation offices and hospitality suites.
The new and improved facilities are expected to generate additional revenue, putting the Tigers on an equal footing with other top-tier clubs.
Tigers managing director Mark Grattan said: “There has long been a need for serious investment in the structure of Wheldon Road.
“We spend huge sums every year on maintenance, but this is really just applying an adhesive plaster.
“What the stadium needs is a complete renovation, befitting our status as a Super League club.
“Following the announcement by Wakefield Council regarding its Rugby League Resilience Fund and the recent successful planning approval for Wakefield Trinity, we have been working closely with the Highgrove Group to secure the additional funding required for Wheldon Road is fit for the future.”
Highgrove Group says revised plans for the land would create around 1,800 jobs there and nearly 600 elsewhere to support it, plus more than 650 jobs during construction.
A Highgrove Group spokesperson said: “We are delighted to provide details of the plans we have developed with Castleford Tigers to support the redevelopment of Wheldon Road Stadium should the Axiom site be successfully repurposed for employment development.
“Highgrove Group is currently working on a planning application and intends to launch a community consultation in the coming months.”
Now known as Jungle, Castleford has played at the Wheldon Road ground, which was initially the home of the town’s football club, since the 1927/28 season.
The stadium is recognized as one of the most atmospheric venues in the Betfred Super League, but it is now poorly dated and the facilities for players, fans and sponsors are far below the level of other top-tier stadiums.
The club have been planning to move to a new site during the summer era, which began in 1996, but, as is the case with neighboring Wakefield Trinity, redevelopment of the existing ground is now seen as the most viable option.
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-15 09:01:00
