Mural made by local school children welcomes passengers to revamped station

The ‘Welcome to Castleford’ mural was made by the pupils of Half Acres Primary Academy in the town, with every child in the school helping to create the design. 

Nursery aged children supplied the handprints for the border, while the classes in Reception and 
Key Stages One and Two designed a letter each – which represent a key event, person or place in the history of Castleford. 

Richard Isaac, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager at Northern, said: “The staff and children of Half Acre Academy saw an opportunity to make a difference to their station and their community and they made it happen. The display they have created clearly demonstrates that Castleford is a great place to live; rich in history and culture.  

“We at Northern are proud that the Half Acres Primary Academy sign will welcome visitors to Castleford, especially with the new facilities than can now be enjoyed. I would also like to thank Network Rail for putting up the mural for us.” 

Rachael Taylor, Headteacher of Half Acres Primary Academy, said: “We felt proud and privileged to be involved in such an exciting project that puts Castleford on the map. The local area, community and history of Castleford is at the heart of all that we do. The children thoroughly enjoyed researching their hometown and producing wonderful artwork which will be displayed for all to see, for many years to come.” 

Zack Cocker, Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We’re always delighted to work on community projects and this mural will provide a warm welcome to residents and visitors to the newly revamped station.

“The new facilities will make it much more pleasant to catch a train to and from Castleford, improving passenger experience.”

Passengers can now make use of high-quality waiting facilities in the new station building, which include a ticket vending machine, new seating area, a disabled toilet, and information and retail facilities.  

The car park has also been refurbished and includes 65 parking spaces, CCTV, and lighting, and an improved layout to allow for easier pedestrian, cycle, and non-motorised access. There is also sheltered cycle parking, accommodating up to 10 bikes, outside the station building. 

To create a more attractive link between the rail station and residential areas in the south of Castleford town centre, the footway in the subway underpass has been resurfaced, and wall cladding, lightning and CCTV added.