Castleford press on with stadium plans
Castleford will press on with plans for a new stadium at Glasshoughton, after reaching a milestone agreement with developer Waystone Ltd.
The Tigers expressed their surprise at Wakefield’s choice to distance themselves from a possible ground-share, and subsequent feasibility study, which has left both clubs needing to pursue their own separate developments, despite suggestions that Wakefield council would only be in the position to support one.
However, Castleford appear to be making good progress, with developer Waystone revealing they have already secured planning consent and they are preparing the development platform for the stadium on its 20 acre plot at Glasshoughton, just off the M62.
Waystone managing director, Stuart McLoughlin, said: “We are delighted to support Cas Tigers on their road to secure a new home for a Super League future. Glasshoughton attracts 3.5 million visitors each year. With major infrastructure, such as an adjacent railway station and direct motorway access, already in place it provides the ideal location for a new stadium facility.”
The site already includes tourist attraction Xscape, a Designer Outlet Village and a new state of the art learning facility for Wakefield College.
Tigers Chief Executive Richard Wright said: “This Agreement secures the 20 acre site at Glasshoughton on behalf of the Club and is another step forward in delivering the stadium. We have an excellent working relationship with Stuart McLoughlin and Waystone and this has enabled us to advance the stadium to this point. Our next objective is to complete the detailed design and this process is now well underway.”
Earlier this week, Wakefield dismissed a ground-share deal with Castleford in favour of pursuing its own development at Newmarket.
In a statement, the Tigers said: “Following Wakefield Metropolitan District Councils (WMDC) initial decision to support only one stadium, the Tigers accepted their proposal for an independent feasibility study. This would have explored all possible stadium options and determined the best solution. It would have provided sufficient information to enable all parties to take a view on a potential ground-share at either of the two sites.
“The club is therefore surprised to learn that the feasibility study, which would conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of both potential sites (Glasshoughton and Newmarket), will no longer be undertaken.
“Castleford Tigers remains committed to delivering a first class stadium for the local community that will satisfy the RFL criteria when the Super League Licences are reviewed in 2011.”
