Super League club set to spend £14.2 million on stadium redevelopment

Super League club Castleford Tigers are set for D-Day in terms of their stadium redevelopment with a decision expected on the 15th February.

The Tigers are hoping that they can secure planning permission for both the stadium and their Junction 32 proposal with Axiom.

In addition to major economic benefits for Castleford and the surrounding area, the Axiom proposals would provide £12.2 million of funding towards major upgrades at Castleford Tigers’ Wheldon Road home. With a further £2 million from Wakefield Council’s Rugby League Resilience Fund, improvements to the Wheldon Road stadium will bolster the club’s ability to meet the Grade A status required to secure long-term Super League status.

Spokesperson speaks on Super League planning permission

A spokesperson for Axiom Yorkshire, owners of the Junction 32 site said:

“We are pleased that both planning applications have been recommended for approval by Wakefield Council’s Planning Officers. If approved the Axiom proposals alone will deliver around 2,200 permanent jobs, alongside further jobs at the stadium and during the construction period.

“The cumulative beneficial impact of this level of job creation, combined with the social-economic benefits to the area and the circa £142 million boost to the Wakefield economy, will deliver significant and lasting benefits for Castleford. It is now for planning committee members to make their decision on both applications.”

The planning application for the Axiom site at Junction 32 proposes development of up to 141,085 sq. m of employment floorspace, across approximately 13 units of varying sizes. The development will benefit from a total of 22 acres of public open space and landscaping, which will help to minimise the visual impacts of the development. In total, some 40,000 new trees will be planted and around 3 miles of new public paths and cycle routes provided, opening the site up for community use and linking residential areas to the east of the site with Xscape, Junction 32 Outlet Centre and Glasshoughton railway station.

Wheldon Road will benefit from a new all-seater main stand. As well as much improved ‘back of house’ sporting facilities for players and officials, a banqueting suite and corporate hospitality function rooms will provide new opportunities for income generation. Upgraded facilities at Wheldon Road will deliver major improvements to be enjoyed by all fans, including new catering facilities and toilets. Importantly, improved accessibility and much enhanced viewing areas will transform the matchday experience for fans with disabilities.