Muse appointed Strategic Regeneration Partner for Castleford

Nationwide placemaker Muse has been appointed by Wakefield Council as its Strategic Regeneration Partner (SRP) for Castleford, marking a significant step forward in the town's long-term regeneration ambitions.

Working alongside the council, Muse will help shape and deliver a shared vision for Castleford that builds on the town's strengths, creates new opportunities for residents and businesses, and brings forward transformational regeneration over the coming years.

Muse is also working with the council as its Strategic Regeneration Partner for Wakefield City Centre, helping to deliver the city’s ambitious masterplan.

Through this new partnership, Muse and Wakefield Council will focus on revitalising Castleford town centre and strengthening connections to the riverside, while supporting economic growth, attracting investment and creating high-quality places for people to live, work and socialise.

As the largest town in the Wakefield district, Castleford is well positioned for future growth, benefiting from strong transport links across West Yorkshire and the wider North. The town has already secured investment through the UK Government’s Town Deal and Pride in Place programmes, alongside ongoing improvements to the town centre and riverside. This new partnership will build on that momentum, helping to maximise existing opportunities, accelerate delivery of Castleford’s long-term ambitions, and create places that respond to local needs while celebrating the town’s strong identity, heritage and sense of community.

The appointment marks the latest addition to Muse’s growing portfolio across Yorkshire and the North East, where it is delivering major regeneration projects in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders, including the Durham Innovation District. Through ECF, its partnership with Homes England and L&G, Muse is also bringing forward transformative schemes at scale in Bradford, Hull, Gateshead and Sunderland.

The appointment was made through the Pagabo framework, which enables public sector organisations to procure specialist development and regeneration partners through a compliant process.

Cllr Matthew Pinder, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for District Regeneration and Regional Growth, said: “This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Castleford. Working with Muse, we'll bring forward projects that attract investment, improve connections across the town centre, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses. Together, we share an ambition to deliver lasting regeneration that makes a real difference to people's lives."

Simon Dew, managing director for Yorkshire & North East at Muse, said: "We're delighted to have been appointed by Wakefield Council as its Strategic Regeneration Partner and look forward to continuing to build upon the strong relationship we've developed together in recent years.
"Castleford is a town with huge potential and a community that is rightly proud of its identity and heritage. It has all the ingredients for long-term success, including excellent connectivity, a growing programme of investment, and a real sense of ambition for the future.

"Together, alongside the council and other key partners, we want to create places that support healthier, more connected communities, deliver much-needed affordable homes, enhance public spaces and help attract further investment into the town. We're excited to begin working with local people and stakeholders to help shape Castleford's next chapter."

Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “This appointment demonstrates how the Developer-Led Framework can support complex regeneration projects, enabling Wakefield Council, Muse and their partners to move forward with confidence and pace. We’re very pleased to have supported this appointment, which builds on the strong partnership already established between Wakefield Council and Muse and will help deliver lasting benefits for Castleford’s communities.”

Over the coming months, Muse and Wakefield Council will work together to develop a shared vision and delivery strategy for the town, with individual proposals brought forward for consideration and community engagement as plans progress.