Major step forward for town centre rejuvenation project
Planning permission has been secured to create a more accessible, attractive town centre for Holmfirth.
The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan (HTCAP) is a £3.9m investment in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).
It aims to enhance access and public realm while cutting congestion and providing journey time savings for all road users.
A key step was acquiring permission to demolish the market hall, and in its place develop a multi-use car park and events space. This consent has now been given, enabling the HTCAP to be submitted for council Cabinet approval.
If plans are approved by Cabinet in August, improvement works will begin in early 2023.
The car park will be reorganised, with more parking spaces added and disabled spaces moved to a more appropriate location, allowing easier access.
Three fast electric vehicle charging spaces will be added, with capacity to add more should demand grow.
Installation of multiple water and electricity utility points will allow the car park and widened bridge to function as a community event space, mirroring the usage of St George’s Square in Huddersfield town centre.
And the town’s new market will operate from an alternative location.
To further support pedestrians, footways throughout the town centre will be widened to improve safety and disabled access.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Holmfirth is one of the jewels in West Yorkshire’s crown and it’s great to see the plans for the rejuvenation of the town centre progressing.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s vital we support our town centres, and the businesses and people that bring them to life.
“The improvements being delivered by this plan, which are being funded through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal, will have a hugely positive impact.”
Councillor Peter McBride, cabinet member for growth & regeneration, added: “If approved, this plan should bring huge benefits to Holmfirth in terms of safety and ease of access, making visits to the town centre an easier, more enjoyable experience increasing footfall for businesses.
“Creating a new potential events space in Holmfirth would also make the town’s offering more dynamic, which is something we’re passionate about in our centres across Kirklees.
“This project would pave the way for further improvements which would continue to boost Holmfirth’s offering and industry well into the future, and will allow us to grow and change with the times.”
