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New artworks planned for town's subway

Tony Gardner,Local Democracy Reporting Serviceand
Anil Kumar Bharath,Yorkshire
News imageEllie Way Three posters about Castleford’s history, including coal boats, sweets, and an old tram. Each poster is bold and simple, showing important parts of the town’s past.Ellie Way
Artist Ellie Way has created a series of pieces inspired by community engagement sessions with local residents

Public artworks inspired by Castleford's heritage, geography and sporting achievements will be installed in a subway near the town's railway station.

Twenty-two pieces created by artist Ellie Way will be installed along the 40‑metre Beancroft Subway, reflecting themes raised during sessions with residents.

The work is part of a project to improve walking routes between the station and the town centre.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said: "These new artworks celebrate the people, places and stories that have put Castleford on the map."

Wakefield Council said the pieces aimed to reflect the town's Roman links, coal mining heritage and sporting success.

The installation forms part of the authority's first and last mile scheme, which was designed to improve the area around Castleford railway station, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council secured £720,000 of funding from Network Rail for the wider project.

News imageEllie Way A long pedestrian tunnel with bright, colourful posters on both walls. The pictures show different parks and places, making the walkway feel cheerful and welcoming.Ellie Way
An artist's impression of how the walkway will look once the works have been installed

Other recent work has seen new lighting and cameras installed, resurfacing carried out on Station Road and murals added at Welbeck Street and Tickle Cock Bridge.

Planning permission for the Beancroft Subway art was granted in November last year.

A planning statement prepared on behalf of the council said: "Currently, the site is in a state of dilapidation.

"The walls are stained due to water ingress from the railway structure above, lighting has been subject to vandalism, and the area is widely perceived as unsafe.

"Upon reopening, the space will present a dramatically transformed environment for public use."

Jeffery said the new artworks would "give everyone using the subway a great insight into the town and its history".

The council said 92% of people who responded to a public consultation supported proposals to redevelop the area around the station.

The subway, which sits off Cambridge Street and Enterprise Way, will be closed from 16 to 20 March while the installation work takes place.

Diversion signs will be in place throughout the closure, with an alternative pedestrian route fully signposted.

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