New drawings of developed Castleford Tigers stadium revealed as ownership change is confirmed

In the new era of rugby league with IMG and grading at the forefront of the game it’s arguably more important to have off-field matters in order than on-field, hence Castleford Tigers eagerness to redevelop their home at Wheldon Road.

The Super League club are battling with Wakefield Council over planning permission so that they can make changes to their ground, however there’s been a new update in the case with fresh drawings submitted.

Castleford’s actual application would see the main stand demolished and to be replaced with an all-seated stand which would have “associated corporate hospitality and entertainment facilities along with new gym, club management facilities and offices”, attached.

The club also intend to resurface the car park, install a 4G training pitch and create a fan zone among other things as part of their appeal that was launched back in December 2022.

Since then the club have gone through two head coach sackings, one temporary head coach and they’ve now landed on Craig Lingard who will be assisted by ex-Leeds Rhinos man Danny McGuire.

The Tigers have also secured a new major shareholder in Martin Jepson who coincidentally works in development, something that he referenced could be of aid in the club’s planning permission battle.

These latest updates have seen three drawings submitted as well as a consultee comment in regards to the drainage of the site, that being one of the reported stumbling blocks.

Each drawing concerns a new matter with a “site plan”, “proposed ground floor plan” and “boundary treatment” documents uploaded.

These documents can be seen below and are available via Wakefield Council website too.

In other positive news for the Tigers their new director Martin Jepson has been confirmed as having become a major shareholder in the club.

An update by the club has been filed on Companies Houses with the confirmation statement from 18th October finally filed, highlighting Mr Jepson as now owning 160,035 of the club’s ordinary shares.

At the time of his investment he had confirmed that it was a ‘seven-figure sum’ and this highlights that major commitment.

When his involvement with the club was announced, Jepson said: “I’m delighted to finally conclude everything. I’ve been talking to the Directors for a while, it’s now nice to get it out in the open. I’ve followed this club all my life and I’m just so pleased I can do something for the club, and the town of Castleford.”

“I grew up in the area, just a few miles from the ground in Garforth and I’m a lifelong Cas fan but haven’t lived here for 40 years. That being said, I make the trip here regularly for matches. I’m fortunate that I am able and in a position to invest and I think this is a real pivotal moment for the sport, and the club in particular. I thought long and hard about it. I’ve been a sponsor for a few years, I got more and more wedded to the club and started coming back to more matches than I was before.

“I just felt that the club needed some investment, the town needs the club to be in Super League, and I would regret it if I didn’t take the chance to help the club along the journey.”