What Is Happening To The Crimea Tavern In Castleford?

Anyone walking along the riverside in Castleford might have noticed a big change is afoot. An old, familiar building that has stood empty for quite some time, the Crimea Tavern, is finally coming down. But this isn't just about knocking down a derelict pub.

The demolition work is the first visible step in a much bigger plan to breathe new life into the town's riverfront, turning a neglected spot into a place for everyone. The demolition of this building is a significant move by the local council to improve the area for residents and visitors alike, marking a fresh start for this part of Castleford.

A fresh start for the riverside

The plan is to open up the view of the River Aire and create something new. This work is a key part of the vision for a better Castleford.

This isn't a decision that was made overnight. The Wakefield Council has been working on plans to improve the town, and dealing with The Crimea was high on the list. Seeing the demolition work start is a sign that things are really happening. It's the kind of progress that shows a commitment to making the town a more pleasant place.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, who is the Leader of Wakefield Council, put it perfectly. She said:

"The Crimea has been derelict for far too long. So, it's welcome news that demolition work is starting as a first step in our ambition to open up this part of Castleford's historic riverside. 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."

More than just knocking a building down

So, what happens after the rubble from the Crimea Tavern is cleared away? The site won't be left empty. The plan is to landscape the area, which is just a fancy way of saying it will be professionally designed and planted with grass, trees, and maybe benches to create a lovely new greenspace. Think of it as a new mini-park right by the river. This isn't just about making the riverside look prettier, though. It's about creating a space where people can relax, meet friends, and enjoy being outdoors. The project is a deliberate step to make the town centre more appealing.

This new greenspace is intended to have a knock-on effect for the whole town. When there are nice places for people to hang out, it encourages them to spend more time in the town centre. That means they're more likely to pop into local shops and cafes, which is great for business. This part of the plan shows how one small change can benefit the wider community.

Cllr Jack Hemingway, the Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, explained this connection. He said:

"This project will make the riverside more accessible for more people. We want everyone to enjoy spending time in this part of the town. In turn that will help local businesses across our town centre to thrive." The demolition of the old structure is a critical step in this process.

A step in a bigger plan for the town

The demolition of The Crimea isn't a standalone project. It's actually one piece of a much larger puzzle. The whole effort is being paid for with a big chunk of money - £23.9 million, to be exact. This funding has come from the UK Government's Towns Fund, which is a pot of cash specifically for helping towns like Castleford to regenerate and improve. The Wakefield Council secured this funding to make some serious, positive changes across the town.

Here's a look at what the funding is being used for:

• Castleford Riverside: This is the project we're seeing in action with the pub demolition. The goal is to make the entire riverside area a fantastic destination.
• Sagar Street Improvements: This involves doing up properties on another key street in the town.
• Heart of Castleford: This project focuses on improving the very centre of the town.
• Castleford Connections

Each project is a step towards the same goal: making Castleford an even better place. The demolition of the Crimea Tavern is a very visible milestone. Steve Harrison, who is the Chair of the Castleford Together Board, said:

"The demolition of the former Crimea Tavern is a welcome milestone for the Castleford Together Board and a critical step forward for the town."

This highlights how important this single action is for the future of Castleford.

What happens next in Castleford?

The demolition work is happening now and is expected to be all finished by August. Once the building is completely gone, the landscaping work to create the new greenspace will begin. This means that before too long, people in Castleford will have a brand-new spot by the riverside to enjoy. It's an exciting development for everyone who lives, works, or visits the town.

This project is part of a wider story of change for the town of Castleford. It's about looking at what the town has - like its brilliant riverside location - and making the most of it. By clearing away old, derelict sites like The Crimea and creating new, positive spaces, the council and its partners are taking a proactive step towards a brighter future for the town. The demolition of the building is more than just a construction job; it's a symbol of progress and a promise of better things to come for the whole community.