Castleford riverside set for ‘new lease of life’ following pub demolition
A new green space is being created in Castleford - on the site of the now demolished Crimea Tavern
Preparations are underway to create a new green space in Castleford following the demolition of an eyesore former pub building.
Land beside the River Aire is due to be redeveloped to create a new parkland after planning approval for the project was approved earlier this year.
In a report to councillors, Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic, said the scheme would give the town’s riverside a “new lease of life.”
Demolition work on the Crimea Tavern began in July this year as part of a series of regeneration projects.
The pub, on Savile Road, had been a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism since it closed in 2009.
The council bought the building for £1.2m last year in a bid to speed up a £23m revamp planned for the town.
Coun Hemingway said the site was now being prepared for the next phase of redevelopment, including “greening and landscaping.”
Council leader Denise Jeffery previously said: “The area is going to become a greenspace that everyone can enjoy.
“By making the most of Castleford’s great location on the River Aire we can make our town an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Steve Harrison, Chair of Castleford Together Board, said the demolition of the pub was a “welcome milestone” and “a critical step forward for the town.”
A heritage statement accompanying the application to knock down the pub said: “The site backs on to river Aire to the north with little protection between the river and the site.
“Since the previous tenants vacated, the site has been subject to an illegal break-in/occupation and fly tipping.”