Planning application submitted for demolition of Castleford Civic Centre
Plans have been submitted to demolish Castleford Civic Centre in the next move to redevelop the site for education and community use.
The application, submitted by Castleford Academy Trust, seeks permission to clear the former civic building on Ferrybridge Road.
It follows the council’s agreement last year to hand the site over to the academy trust, with the aim of creating new facilities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside community spaces.
The civic centre, vacant since early 2025, had hosted offices and public events for decades.
Planning documents show that more than 5,500 square metres of floorspace would be lost under the proposed demolition. Plans for replacement buildings are not included in the current application.
While the council has previously backed the scheme in principle, the demolition cannot proceed until planning permission is formally granted.
The proposals form part of a wider plan to transform the site, potentially including new educational facilities and a multi-use performance venue for both students and the community.
Wakefield Council has stated that any redevelopment would aim to address growing demand for specialist education provision while providing community benefits.
When the decision to sell the building was made last year, a cabinet meeting was told the new buildings would also include an arts centre to be used by the town’s community groups.
Council leader Denise Jeffery said: “Securing a long-term plan for the redevelopment of this site – for the benefit of our local community – has been an important priority for us.
She added: “It will be a loss of a community asset in Castleford.
“We have a variety of talent in Castleford – choirs, bands, different groups – all wanting somewhere where they can actually go and perform.
“Losing the civic centre will be sad for them in a way because they have been using it.
“We have had assurances that part of this project will be that we move forward with an arts centre and facilities that will be used by all the community groups and the people of Castleford.
“The people of Castleford feel that that is their building so they want it replaced with something that matters to them.”