Wednesday 28th July 10

Castleford Tigers hope to start work on their new stadium by spring 2011 after their developers signed an agreement that guarantees them a site to build on.

The Tigers, who are looking to relocate from their current Wheldon Road ground in order to achieve another Engage Super League license when they are awarded next year, have secured a 20-acre plot at Glasshoughton at Junction 32 on the M62.

The announcement comes in a week during which Castleford and neighbours Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have traded statements over their stadium plans.

The local council had stated they were only prepared to offer financial support to one venture, with Wakefield looking to move to a new stadium at Newmarket, two junctions along from Castleford's proposed home.

That led to talk of the two sharing a ground in order to boost their respective license bids, before Wakefield announced on Sunday that they had no intention of entering such an agreement and were to press ahead with their own plans.

And although Castleford have not formally ruled out a groundshare agreement, they have made significant steps in their own bid to move to Glasshoughton.

Their developers, Waystone, have already secured planning consent and are now preparing the development platform for the stadium, and their manager director, Stuart McLoughlin, said in a statement: "We are delighted to support Castleford Tigers on their road to secure a new home for a Super League future.

"Glasshoughton attracts 3.5million visitors each year. With major infrastructure, such as an adjacent railway station and direct motorway access already in place, it provides the ideal location for a new stadium facility.

"The official signing of the agreement means that stadium plans can now progress with hopes to start the build programme as soon as spring 2011.

"Architects Ramsden & Partners have already been appointed to draw up detailed plans to support the reserved matters planning application.

"In the longer term, Waystone hopes to be able to add further leisure provisions to the stadium site to enhance the overall offer to the local community."