Computer Rendering

11 August 2008

For the next three weeks, residents of Castleford can sit back and watch the TV show about the astounding transformation of their town, Kevin Mcloud and the Big Town Plan being broadcast on Channel 4.

The show reveals how a media-led makeover process has been used to trigger the regeneration of a town.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) offered Channel 4 advice and significant help with the plans to regenerate the West Yorkshire town, whose economy had been devastated by the closure of local collieries.

Channel 4 approached CABE in 2003 with an idea for a ‘regeneration game’ in Castleford. Since then, CABE has offered expert and practical advice, given financial support to a local centre promoting architecture and reviewed key designs. CABE also helped to organise public meetings, design workshops, fun days, and ‘regeneration club nights’.

Talkback sponsored the Sagar Street centre and worked to involve local people in the regeneration process. The call was for a more vibrant town centre, with consideration given to the town’s industrial heritage and a move to make use of derelict land. They also wanted the local rivers Calder and Aire to be put to greater use – a decision that helped make the bridge a priority.

The £4.85m, 130-metre footbridge, designed by McDowell + Benedetti provided the first phase of the waterfront renewal, and became the catalyst for regeneration. The bridge has been shortlisted for the 2008 Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award, as has the nearby Weir Fish Pass.

Eleven schemes have been completed as a result of the project. As well as the new bridge, Castleford is benefiting from the redevelopment of its main town square, new facilities for local children and the regeneration of vacant land.

The project has provided a huge boost to economic investment in the town. Channel 4 estimates that it has helped create an extra £200 million in investment.

Castleford is also the site of the Allerton Bywater housing project, featuring homes built on a former colliery site. The scheme was completed in 2007 and was given a Building for Life silver award.

Kevin Mcloud’s Big Town Plan continues on Channel 4 on Monday 18 August.

Article by Caroline

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