Description: Castleford has an extremely rich heritage, predominantly drawn from its many industries which boomed in the nineteenth century, but also from its Roman and early twentieth century heritage. 

Issue: Local identification with these assets, many of which are not designated, is very strong, and has driven a multi-million pound social and economic regeneration-through-heritage project. At the heart of this project the Castleford Heritage Group are keen to develop a museum and community education centre on the site known as The Forum – formerly the open air market in the town. 

Strategy: As a result a Heritage Forum has been formed, as well as the appointment of a Community Heritage Facilitator (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund). Yorkshire Forward and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust have also paid for a feasibility study for the proposed centre.

Outcome: This is an example of community initiated regeneration through heritage, which illustrates the importance of local groups to local decision-making, lobbying and master planning in the historic environment.