Tigers appoint architects for Glasshoughton Stadium
Castleford Tigers have appointed the architects who will design and build the club’s new state of the art stadium at Glasshoughton.
Ramsden and Partners Ltd, based in Leeds, have been awarded the contract after impressing all parties involved in the project, including developers Waystone, with their concept designs.
The announcement had been expected to be made at the turn of the New Year but delays have since meant that it had to be put back.
They will now work with the club, Waystone and the fans in delivering full-scale designs ahead of the submission of full planning permission later this year.
Crucially, this announcement ensures that Castleford continue to push their plans forward ahead of the next licensing period, due to be decided next year.
Chief Executive Richard Wright said: “This is a significant step forward in the realisation of the new stadium. It is a substantial commitment and, as such, the decision to choose the successful architectural bid took longer than expected. We had to make sure we got the decision right and in doing so, studied at great length the merits of each bid.
“Ramsden and Partners provided an innovative concept design which was well researched and we have every confidence they are worthy winners of this contract.
“They have been selected from a number of high quality practices based on their excellent designs and ability to address the challenging brief in a contemporary but practical way.”
The news dismisses rumours that the Tigers may be heading for a groundshare at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ proposed ground two junctions further down the M62 at Newmarket.
“From day one, the vision of this project has been that of delivering a state-of-the-art community stadium. With this in mind, we have made provisions in the time plan to allow consultation with supporters and the wider community on the finite details of the design,” Wright added.
“We plan to showcase the designs to the general public for feedback, which will help make the stadium a central part of the community and a worthy home for the Tigers.”
The stadium will be built on what used to be the former Glasshoughton Colliery with the area undergoing a massive transformation in recent years with the Xscape complex and Junction 32 Outlet Village in close proximity to the site.
“The site will be situated in what is considered to be the best possible location for a stadium complex,” continued Wright.
“Not only does the Glasshoughton site already attract around four million visitors per year, it is also a hub of transport for the area with its own railway station and Junctions 31 and 32 of the M62 motorway at either end of the site.
“In addition, the wider economic benefits are substantial in terms of job creation and increased investment into the area.
“It really is an enviable proposition and will take tourism in the region to a new level with all businesses on the site set to benefit.”
Alan Powell, Company Director or Ramsden and Partners Ltd, also believes that the stadium will be an iconic feature of the local area.
“We are both delighted and privileged to be appointed as Castleford Tigers‘ stadium designers.
“We look forward with great excitement to working with Richard and the club, Waystone, the fans and other key stakeholders to develop a stadium complex that provides a new state of the art home for the Tigers.
“The Stadium will ultimately become an invaluable community resource and give the opportunity to create an iconic focus for the region. As lead consultant, we are honored to front a design team benefitting from extensive experience of stadia design.”