Castleford high street sees small boost with town centre manager at the helm
A new town centre manager is helping coordinate efforts to support Castleford’s high street.
Local groups say the role has already helped improve coordination between businesses, community groups, and the council.
A council scrutiny committee will look at the impact the changes have had next week.
In a report, Valerie Ely, of Castleford Civic Society, said the impact had been immediate.
She said: “One major success so far has been the improved coordination and leadership provided.
"Our town centre manager is already acting as a central point of contact between the council, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders, which previously has been absent.”
She added that the changes had led to “significant improvements in Castleford’s physical environment,” including better cleanliness and signage, helping boost community pride and engagement.
Richard Baker, chair of the Castleford Town Centre Review Group, said the role was helping unite organisations that had previously worked separately.
He said: “Since the town centre manager has joined there has been a noticeable difference in the way groups are working collectively to improve the town.
“The role plays a key role in bringing individuals together to find solutions to issues.”
Meanwhile a new scheme is set to encourage shops to take a more active role in maintaining and improving the streets around them.
The Business Responsibility Zone (BRZ) , due to launch soon in Castleford as a pilot scheme, will ask businesses to help with litter picking, planting, painting shopfronts, and other practical improvements, with the aim of enhancing the town centre’s appearance and atmosphere.
A council report shows some early signs of economic progress.
Eight high street improvement grants have been delivered in Castleford this year, supporting new businesses and bringing vacant units back into use.
Footfall in December 2025 rose 3.2 per cent year-on-year – outperforming regional and national averages – and the town’s vacancy rate fell from 11.1 per cent to 10 per cent.
Events are also part of the town’s strategy.
February’s Love Castleford featured a Valentine’s market, street entertainment, and other activities, attracting hundreds of people.
Despite these steps the report said there was “no room for complacency" with further work planned to tackle empty units, improve cleanliness, and build on recent momentum.
For more information and the source, visit: Castleford high street sees small boost with town centre manager at the helm