Early stage regeneration plans unveiled for town centre
Draft proposals are being drawn up to regenerate the centre of Cleckheaton.
The plans form part of the “Our Local Centres” programme, which aims to provide support and investment to Cleckheaton and to other towns across Kirklees including Batley, Holmfirth and Heckmondwike.
The master planning process looked to identify projects to be delivered in Cleckheaton town centre over the next 10 to 15 years, with the current draft showing potential improvements to:
- Savoy Square and the Market
- Investment at Spen Bottoms
- Better links with the Greenway
- A bigger town square and space for the creative industries to thrive
The master plan is now set to be agreed later this year, before becoming the basis for future investment.
There is currently £1.5m in the first stage of funding to deliver some work. Future funding will be secured for the agreed masterplan projects.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Towns are undergoing rapid change, while persistent challenges such as people’s shopping habits, and out of town shopping more recently to online shopping put many communities under pressure.
“This programme presents new and exciting opportunities for the community of Cleckheaton, and its businesses.”
Cllr Graham Turner, portfolio holder for town centres, added: “The Our Local Centres project is an ambitious and carefully crafted proposal that expresses our confidence in these town centres.
“These changes will allow the towns to deliver a thriving, successful and attractive heart to Cleckheaton, which will serve the needs of local people and businesses for decades to come. I would encourage residents to get involved in the consultation and help us shape their town centre.”
A public consultation on these draft ideas is running from 27 June to 27 July 2022.
