Crimea Tavern: Demolition of derelict landmark Castleford pub underway
Wakefield Council gave the go-ahead for the Crimea Tavern to be bulldozed earlier this year
Last updated 31st Jul 2025
Demolition work has begun on a derelict landmark pub in Castleford town centre.
Wakefield Council gave the go-ahead for the Crimea Tavern to be bulldozed earlier this year to make way for regeneration schemes.
The pub, on Savile Road, has been a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism since it closed in 2009.
The council bought the building for £1.2m last year in a bid to speed up a £23m revamp planned for the town.
A planning application submitted in September also includes demolishing an empty house next to the former pub.
Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The Crimea has been derelict for far too long.
“So, it’s welcome news that demolition work is starting as a first step in our ambition to open up this part of Castleford’s historic riverside.
“The area is going to become a greenspace that everyone can enjoy.
“By making the most of Castleford’s great location on the River Aire we can make our town an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Steve Harrison, Chair of Castleford Together Board, said: “The demolition of the former Crimea Tavern is a welcome milestone for the Castleford Together Board and a critical step forward for the town.”
The demolition work is expected to be completed in August.
Once the building is cleared, the site will be landscaped to create a new greenspace by the river.
Jack Hemingway, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “This project will make the riverside more accessible for more people.
“We want everyone to enjoy spending time in this part of the town. In turn that will help local businesses across our town centre to thrive.”
The council has secured £23.9m of funding from the UK Government’s Towns Fund for Castleford.
The grant will be used to deliver a series of projects, including the new riverside park.
A heritage statement accompanying the application to knock down the pub said: “The site backs on to river Aire to the north with little protection between the river and the site.
“Since the previous tenants vacated, the site has been subject to an illegal break-in/occupation and fly tipping.”
A separate application has been made to demolish vacant commercial premises on Savile Road, Bridge Street and Aire Street.
If approved, it will enable infrastructure improvements to be carried out including rebuilding flood defences.
New pedestrian footways and riverside cycleways are also planned.