Town centre gets a new landscape public space as part of a regeneration scheme

DSDHA has unveiled a new public space in Castleford town centre as part of the community regeneration scheme.

The original underpass dated back to the 1890s and has been variously known as Tittle Cott and Tickle Cock - a reference to its location as a popular meeting place for local lovers.

Even though the bridge acts as the main pedestrian gateway into the town for over 10,000 people a day, it was ignored and its poor quality made an uninspiring entrance into the declining town centre.

Designed by Deborah Saunt and Sam Potter of DSDHA, the space includes a generous seating shelter with room for people to rest, along with an open plaza and green space which replaces overgrown wasteland and tumbledown walls.

DSDHA worked closely with local historian Brian Lewis and artist and lighting specialist Martin Richman.

Wakefield council, the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Network Rail and Arts Council England, Yorkshire, funded the first phase of the scheme.

The Castleford project is a collaboration between Wakefield council, Channel 4, regeneration agencies and the local community as part of wider initiatives to improve the Castleford area.

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