What Is The New Artistic Upgrade At Tickle Cock Bridge In Castleford?

Ever walked through a dull, grey underpass on your way to town and wished it was a bit more cheerful? We've all been there. It's just a way to get from A to B. But what if that journey could be part of the fun?

Well, for the people of Castleford, a well-used pedestrian route has just had a serious makeover. Announced on 12 August 2025, the famous (and amusingly named) Tickle Cock Bridge is now home to a massive, colourful public mural, turning a simple walkway into a vibrant gallery. This artistic upgrade is all thanks to a project by Wakefield Council, designed to make the town a brighter, more welcoming place for everyone.

A splash of colour for a historic bridge

Let's be honest, an underpass isn't usually the most exciting part of anyone's day. But the team at Wakefield Council decided to change that for Tickle Cock Bridge. This isn't just any old bridge; it's a key pedestrian route connecting the Castleford train station to the town centre. Thousands of people use it, so making it a pleasant experience is a big deal. The council brought in Yorkshire-based artist Emmeline North to work her magic, and the result is a stunning new piece of public art.

The entire tunnel, its entrances, and even the seating areas have been covered in colourful designs. It's a complete transformation. Imagine starting your commute or your trip to the shops by walking through a fantastic piece of artwork. It's a small change that can make a big difference to your day. This project is a great example of local regeneration in action, focusing on improving the daily lives of residents.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, the Leader of Wakefield Council, couldn't be happier with the outcome. She said: "This new piece of public art, commissioned especially for Tickle Cock Bridge, includes colourful painted designs on the walls of the tunnel, the entrance points and seating. It has totally transformed this busy route, creating a brighter, more attractive link to the town centre." This brilliant artistic upgrade for the pedestrian route is already making waves.

More than just a pretty picture

This new artwork isn't just random colours splashed on a wall. Artist Emmeline North took her inspiration from the very heart of Castleford itself. The designs are a nod to the town's rich heritage and its beautiful natural environment. It's a way of telling the story of the town through pictures, celebrating everything that makes Castleford unique. It's the kind of detail that turns a good piece of public art into a great one. The artwork for Tickle Cock Bridge captures the spirit of the local community.

And it's not just visual. The artistic upgrade also includes a brand-new poem written to celebrate the town's heritage. So, as you walk through, you can read lines that connect you to Castleford's past. It's an experience that engages more than just your eyes, making the journey through Tickle Cock Bridge even more special. This focus on local stories is a key part of what makes this regeneration project so meaningful for the people of Wakefield.

Getting the locals involved

A project like this works best when the community is involved, and that's exactly what happened here. Before a single drop of paint was used, the final design was shaped by a series of workshops led by the community itself. This wasn't a case of the council just deciding what the artwork should look like; it was a proper team effort. This type of community engagement ensures the final piece really resonates with the people who will see it every day.

Emmeline North also worked directly with students from Castleford Academy, giving them a chance to contribute their ideas and get involved in a real-life creative project. Think about how cool that is - walking past a huge public mural and knowing you had a little part in making it happen! This kind of community engagement is vital for building local pride and ensuring that regeneration projects truly reflect the area they serve. The collaboration shows a real commitment to involving young people in the future of their town.

Part of a bigger plan

This fantastic mural at Tickle Cock Bridge is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The entire project was paid for by the Transpennine Route Upgrade's 'First and Last Mile' programme. So, what does that mean? Basically, it's a fund dedicated to improving the start and end of public transport journeys. The goal is to make the walk from the station to your final destination safer, easier, and a lot more pleasant. This investment in the pedestrian route is aimed at encouraging more people to use public transport and walk into town.

The programme has funded a whole host of improvements around Castleford station, leading to significant economic growth for the area. Here's a quick look at what's been done:

• Resurfacing the road approaching the station.
• Installing better and brighter street lighting.
• Adding more CCTV cameras to improve security.
• Putting in new planters to add a bit of greenery.
• Commissioning three new public art projects.

The council is carefully tracking the progress and impact of these upgrades. The first artwork appeared on Welbeck Street, and now the Tickle Cock Bridge public mural has been unveiled. There's a clear strategy here: making the entire area around the station better, bit by bit. This wider regeneration scheme also helps support local high street businesses by making the town centre more appealing.

What's next for Castleford?

The work doesn't stop at Tickle Cock Bridge. The team is already working on designs for another public mural, this time for the Beancroft Subway. It shows a real commitment from Wakefield Council to continue investing in the town's public spaces. This ongoing regeneration will continue to transform Castleford.

Cllr Jack Hemingway, who is Wakefield Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, explained that this is just the beginning. He added: "This is just part of a series of improvements in the town this year. We'll be improving the town centre. Supporting our high street businesses. Carrying out more work on the riverside. And helping people get around town better. People will see a lot of activity."

It sounds like residents have a lot to look forward to. From sprucing up the riverside to making the town centre even better, it's all happening in Castleford. This artistic upgrade is a bright, bold sign of things to come.