Work finally starting on stadium and shopping complex plans in Castleford

Major concerns have been raised over the future of the Axiom development, earmarked for land off Junction 32 of the M62, with the developer, Lateral Property Group, refusing to discuss the issue.

But in recent weeks an application has been received by the council’s planning department.

The application is for a Certificate of Lawfulness to “confirm that the excavation of foundation trenches and the pouring of concrete to begin erection of foundations”.

The certificate demonstrates that the company has legally started work and signals the absolute beginning of the development.

The Express, along with Wakefield Council, have made repeated attempts to contact Lateral Propery Group, who had initially said work would begin on the site last year.

A progress report with the application shows plant machinery at the site stripping the land of any remaining vegetation and the concrete foundations being poured.

Bronwen Knight, Wakefield Council’s service director for planning and transportation, said: “Planning permission for the Axiom development has been granted.

“It is now the developer’s responsibility to bring this to fruition.”

Castleford Tigers, who look set to leave their Wheldon Road home for the new stadium once it is completed, said they would not wish to comment at this stage.

Plans were initially approved for a retail park and stadium back in 2015.

Artist’s impressions of the £160m development were released in 2018 with Lateral Property Group saying the first bricks would be laid in 2019, with hopes of it being completed by 2021.

The developers said the site, which was attracting interest from major retailers Boots, Primark, Boots and M&S, was to create up to 2,000 jobs.

Work failed to begin on the site last year with the company blaming the uncertainty around Brexit.

In July this year, the four major retailers would not comment if they would still be opening stores on the site.