Major step forward for Castleford stadium

Castleford’s plans for a new stadium took another major step forward with the unveiling of proposals to include an indoor waterpark attraction to the complex.

Surfworld is the brainchild of Yorkshire entrepreneur Mick Harrison who along with his business partner, Graham Gatenby has been working on the project for over four years. The combined project was instigated by Waystone and the concept has been developed by them in conjunction with a team of international specialist water ride manufacturers.

Now the project has gained momentum by teaming up with award winning Social Enterprise agency, Camberwell, who already champion a series of successful local projects. The partnership with Camberwell will ensure that local residents in Castleford and the wider Wakefield district will enjoy priority admission and special discounts for the venture which is sure to attract visitors from across the whole of the UK. Indeed, Camberwell hope to incorporate a package of community benefits which will provide long term professional training for local job seekers.

Surfworld will combine a hugely varied selection of rides with attractions set to appeal to all ages. The entire themed attraction will be complemented by catering and retail outlets and the venture will create over 200 jobs and will provide local visitors and day-trippers alike with an exhilarating and memorable day out.

Surfworld Managing Director Mick Harrison said: “We are immensely excited to be working with Camberwell to get Surfworld up and running and delighted to be working alongside the Tigers. We see this project as a real benefit to the area and a major addition to the UK visitor attraction industry. Ultimately Surfworld is set to delight visitors of every age and we can’t wait to see the plans come to fruition “
(Further information is available at enquiries@surfworlduk.com)

Richard Wright, Chief Executive of Castleford Tigers, believes that the introduction of such an attraction is a major boost to the stadium project. “Surfworld significantly enhances the business model of the stadium and provides many other advantages. The waterpark will be another huge attraction for visitors to the site and a superb facility for the fans and both the local and wider community.

“Following on from the Wakefield Council outlining their support in July, this is another major step forward to our achieving a new home for the Tigers and with the proximity to Xscape we firmly believe that this will make the site the number one tourist attraction in the north of England.”

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Surfworld looks like an exciting plan that will really add to and complement our other nationally acclaimed attractions like Xscape, The Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It will support the club’s stadium project and encourage more people to lead healthier active lifestyles, not to mention creating more jobs and opportunities in our district.”