Multi-million pound plans approved for town centre

Another part of the £250m Huddersfield Blueprint is set to be delivered with plans to transform the town centre’s key streets approved.

On 8 October Kirklees Council’s Cabinet approved £5.2m plans to improve New Street – between Ramsden Street to Cloth Hall Street – as well as Cloth Hall Street and Market Place.

Key to the council’s ambitions to regenerate the town centre, these streets will be transformed to create a high-quality, safe public realm which invites visitors and encourages business to grow.

Improvement works will include more creative streets that are inviting and safe and encourage retail. There will also be more opportunities for events and pop-up markets.

Streets will feature more trees and green space and a bigger focus on accommodating pedestrians. There will also be new contemporary seating and street furniture, with better paving and street lighting.

Routes for delivery vehicles will be designed to reduce parking in pedestrianised areas. The pedestrian zone of New Street has time restrictions for loading and deliveries (4pm-10am the following morning). These restrictions will be extended to Market Place and Cloth Hall Street to reduce conflict with pedestrians.

Specific improvements for New Street will include an area at the southern end for alfresco dining, and an area close to the junction with Cloth Hall Street for pop-up markets and outdoor exhibitions.

Widened pavements are proposed on Market Place and Cloth Hall Street, reflecting the high number of pedestrians. A re-alignment of Market Place and Cloth Hall Street is recommended to slow traffic speeds.

Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We have great ambition to regenerate all of our town centres. Our Huddersfield Blueprint vision has proven very popular and has reached millions of people in the first few months of launching and thousands of residents have shared their thoughts with us.

“A huge part of these plans is ensuring our high streets are fit for purpose and that they create a safe and welcoming environment for businesses to thrive and attract visitors. In addition, green spaces and street tree planting will support the removal of air pollution.

“The aim is to create a safe and vibrant town centre and to unlock its potential by attracting and retaining businesses by transforming the public realm to provide settings where they can flourish.”

These plans are part of Kirklees Council’s £250m Huddersfield Blueprint vision which was launched in June 2019. To see the plans in full, visit Huddersfield Blueprint website

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close