Rugby league club Castleford Tigers have submitted a planning application that could see their Wheldon Road Stadium being substantially revamped.
The plan is part of a mixed-use scheme that would not only bring the venue up to the standards required for Superleague membership. This will include the rebuilding of an all-seater main stand, with improved facilities for players and spectators alike including a banqueting suite and corporate hospitality facilities.
In addition, the facilities at both ends of the ground will also be improved, while the plans also include a 4G training pitch.
Sheet metal specialists may benefit from new orders if the scheme is given the go-ahead, as such fabrics often make up parts of the walls, roofs and side fascia of stands at sports grounds. A modern roof will need to be of light material to enable a cantilever structure to support it and make roof-supporting pillars – which can obscure the view for fans – unnecessary.
The project is likely to get the green light partly because the application is being made to Wakefield City Council, which has previous backed the redevelopment of rivals Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue home, but also because the overall scheme also includes enhancements to the adjacent Junction 32 of the M62 and a 141,000 sq ft commercial space development, creating around 2,200 jobs.
Axiom Yorkshire is the firm behind the Junction 32 site and a spokesperson for the firm said: “We believe because people recognise the huge potential benefits of these two important regeneration proposals for the area.”
Castleford Tigers managing director Mark Grattan said: “This is a really important moment for the club and the town more widely.”
While Castleford may benefit from both a better rugby stadium and more employment, some other rugby clubs have fewer options for stadium development. This includes Sale Sharks, who share the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford with Salford Reds rugby league side.
Sharks have just failed in a joint bid with Salford City Football Club to buy the stadium, with the city council set to purchase the venue instead.
