Muse appointed to lead Castleford regen
The developer will work alongside Wakefield Council to revitalise the town centre, improve links to the riverside, and create opportunities for residents and businesses.
Muse is already working with Wakefield Council as its Strategic Regeneration Partner for Wakefield city centre, where it is helping to deliver the city’s wider masterplan. This includes Cathedral Quarter, which relies on the demolition of The Ridings shopping centre, which following a surge in Reform council members is now under consideration.
The move follows significant government investment already secured for the West Yorkshire town. Castleford has received £23.9m through the Town Deal programme to fund improvements to the town centre and riverside, alongside a further £20m awarded through the government’s Pride in Place programme.
The council said a formal agreement with government is expected to be completed shortly, setting out how the Pride in Place funding will be invested during the first four-year delivery period between 2026 and 2030.
Castleford has already secured significant investment to support its regeneration. Around £2.6m was spent refurbishing and modernising the town’s Indoor Market Hall during 2023/24.
Castleford, the largest town in the Wakefield district, is expected to benefit from the partnership through further investment, economic growth, and the creation of new places to live, work and visit.
The council started its search for a development partner for the town a year ago, focusing on land acquisition, housing, employment opportunities, skills development, a transport hub, and a revitalised retail core.
The appointment was made through the Pagabo framework, which allows public sector organisations to procure specialist development and regeneration partners.
Cllr Matthew Pinder, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for district regeneration and regional growth, said: “Working with Muse, we’ll bring forward projects that attract investment, improve connections across the town centre, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses. Together, we share an ambition to deliver lasting regeneration that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
Simon Dew, managing director for Yorkshire & North East at Muse, said: “Castleford is a town with huge potential and a community that is rightly proud of its identity and heritage. It has all the ingredients for long-term success, including excellent connectivity, a growing programme of investment, and a real sense of ambition for the future.
“Together, alongside the council and other key partners, we want to create places that support healthier, more connected communities, deliver much-needed affordable homes, enhance public spaces, and help attract further investment into the town.”
Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “This appointment demonstrates how the Developer-Led Framework can support complex regeneration projects, enabling Wakefield Council, Muse, and their partners to move forward with confidence and pace.”
