Wakefield Council has agreed for Castleford Academy Trust to take over the Castleford Civic Centre site, redeveloping it to integrate educational and community facilities, with a major emphasis on the performing arts and community engagement.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Securing a long-term plan for the redevelopment of this site – for the benefit of our local community – has been an important priority for us.
“So, it’s great news that we’ve been able to work with Castleford Academy to enable plans for a brilliant, much-needed facility for the local community.
“A multi-functional space will not only improve educational outcomes for thousands of children including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It will also provide the community and arts organisations with a state-of-the-art performance venue which will help us to enhance cultural opportunities in the town.”
Following a competitive process for the site, the successful proposal from Castleford Academy Trust was considered to deliver the most benefit for the community. The Academy is an over-subscribed school operating a high-quality resource base for children with SEND.
The Academy is on a neighbouring landlocked site and has limited scope for expansion. Demolition of the current Civic Centre building will provide an opportunity for the new school building to be redeveloped, to enhance the school and the existing resource base for deaf children to deliver improved outcomes for children with SEND.
A large performance and function hall will also be constructed and will be available for public hire during evenings and weekends. It will be designed as a hub for cultural events, including live theatre, music, community shows, exhibitions, and workshops.
The Academy’s proposal is dependent upon the Trust securing support via the DfE’s School Rebuild Programme which will increase the capacity of the adjoining Academy.
George Panayiotou, CEO of Castleford Academy Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with Wakefield Council’s decision to award the Castleford Civic Centre site to Castleford Academy Trust. This is a landmark moment for education and community provision in Castleford.
“The opportunity to redevelop the site as part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuild Programme will allow us to expand our outstanding provision for children who attend the school, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly through our highly regarded Resource Base for Deaf Children.
“This investment represents a powerful commitment from the Council to the young people and families of our town. It will enable us to deliver modern, inclusive, and high-quality facilities that meet the growing needs of our community, and we are proud to be leading this exciting new chapter for Castleford.”
Cabinet members have agreed to invest £1.5m into the capital programme to facilitate Castleford Academy Trust with the disposal and demolition of the building and to prepare the site for development.
