Tigers close in on new stadium
The dream of a brand-new stadium for Castleford Tigers is a step closer to reality.
Waystone, the company behind the award-winning Glasshoughton development, has submitted an outline planning application for a community stadium, together with an office park and an hotel at Glasshoughton (adjacent to Xscape) by Junction 32 of the M62.
The planning application was submitted to Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council this week.
The £75 million development is expected to create 1500 jobs and add to the 3.5 million visitors a year already coming to Glasshoughton.
Stuart McLoughlin, managing director of Waystone, said: "We have drawn up some exciting plans for a community stadium. The local people gave a very clear message, through the Urban Renaissance Initiative and through our own public consultation exercises, that a new stadium for Castleford Tigers was a top priority. The design of the stadium is intended to harmonise with the re-engineered and landscaped terrain formed from the tips of the old Glasshoughton colliery. Flexibility in the design will allow incorporation in the stadium of a number of additional sports facilities envisaged in Wakefield MDC's future plans for sport in the district."
"It is planned that the stadium will have a capacity of 13,000, including 5,000 standing, and will play host to a number of community events like concerts, as well as being home for Castleford Tigers. The submission of the outline planning application is a major step forward and we are confident that the will to secure a new stadium for Castleford Tigers is there."
"We had originally envisaged that the enabling development for the stadium would be a casino, but a change in Government policy ruled that out. Instead we are proposing an office park, anchored by a signature 10-storey building and featuring another six two and three-storey buildings, and a three or four-star hotel," he added.
Richard Wright, the chief executive of Castleford Tigers, said: "This application is a triumph for perseverance, patience and partnership. We've been working on the new stadium project for over 5 years and encountered many difficulties and setbacks along the way.
He added: "The planning application is one more step but it is a massive step and Waystone have invested a great deal of hard work and considerable cost in its' preparation. Waystone has done a fabulous job at Glasshoughton and we feel very good about working with them. Wakefield Council has also been very committed to the project and can see the benefit to the Tigers and also to the wider community. It is a genuine partnership and although we still have a great deal of work to do to turn the dreams into reality, all parties involved are committed to making it happen."
"We have seen the advancements made by Hull and Warrington following their moves into new stadiums and if we are to fulfil our high ambitions, then we need to follow suit and we feel our tremendous fans deserve nothing less. The new facility will help us to attract the many talented young players in the area as we look to increase the number of local players in our first team squad. And it will put us in pole position to gain a franchise for 2009."
"We also have a wider responsibility to the community and this is very much a community project allowing both the Club and the Council to provide benefits to a wide range of people. The news is a fabulous Christmas present for the Club, the fans, the sponsors and the whole community." he added.
Stuart McLoughlin added: "It is too soon to put a precise timescale on this development, but we have made excellent progress in recent months and have established the practical feasibility of delivering the development."
Owen Holder, associate with property consultants Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: "Glasshoughton is a fantastic location at the heart of the Yorkshire region and at the hub of its motorway network. Waystone has created a wonderful destination location and a community stadium would be a perfect addition to a very impressive development."