Castleford Tigers receive major stadium boost as redevelopment edges closer

In a statement, developers Axiom Yorkshire confirmed that National Highways has lifted its holding objection to the proposals, which have been given the green light by Wakefield Council’s highways team.

The planning applications for improvements to the Wheldon Road stadium and a significant new employment development on the Axiom site at Junction 32 on the M62 could be rubber stamped in the next few weeks.

The latest development gives the Tigers a timely lift ahead of the rollout of IMG's new grading system in late 2024.

Castleford, who are appealing against their initial ranking of 13th due to an admin error, have the potential to achieve a higher stadium score which could secure their Super League place for the 2025 season.

The Tigers originally planned to relocate to a new stadium at Junction 32 before Highgrove Group – the owners of the site – agreed to provide funds towards improvements to Wheldon Road.

"Axiom Yorkshire can confirm that both planning applications for a major upgrade to the Wheldon Road stadium and a significant new employment development on the Axiom site at Junction 32 on the M62 have taken a major step forward this week, following the recent decision by National Highways to lift its holding objection to the Axiom proposals and with Wakefield Council’s highways team also confirming that they have no objection," read the statement.

"Planning applications for both projects were submitted at the end of 2022 and have been going through the process of being rigorously assessed by Wakefield Council’s planning team. As these highways matters were the last major issues which needed agreement on the Axiom scheme, the planning applications could be decided in the coming weeks, with Wakefield Council’s confirmation of a planning committee date hoped for as soon as possible.

"If planning is approved for both projects, the circa £200million Axiom Yorkshire employment, logistics and manufacturing proposals will create over 2,200 jobs for local people and provide £12.2million of funding towards major upgrades at Wheldon Road and £15million of highways improvements to the Junction 32 roundabout."