£6m town centre investment programme approaching key milestone

Work to enhance Elland town centre is moving forward, with planning applications for some of the improvements due to be submitted this autumn.

Over £6m of funding from the Future High Streets Fund is set to transform the centre of Elland, and will include improvements to public spaces and natural features.

Changes are focused around four distinct areas of the town, these are:

•                Market Square – Over £1m will be spent on improving the area, which hosts the market, and the works will recognise the square’s long history.

•                Heart of the high street – In response to public feedback, better signage, lighting and street environment improvements will make the area more attractive and feel safer.

•                Southgate – Pedestrianisation of the road will make the area more appealing to walkers. Improvements to Southgate Square and the repurposing of Coronation Street car park will create an event space and a green area, benefiting visitors and nearby residents.

•                The Cartwheel Club – The club will be fully refurbished to create a hub for services such as a youth centre.

By reducing car dominance along the high street and redistributing traffic, the changes are designed to create a focal point in the town where people can socialise, shop or enjoy events.

They plans acknowledge that sufficient car parking is also required for those unable to use sustainable transport modes.

Improvements will be made to both the Market Square and Box Hall Road car parks, with the latter benefiting from a well-lit walkway to Coronation Street along the side of the Rex Cinema.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for town, engagement and public health, Councillor Sarah Courtney, said: “Elland has a rich history, with culture and character and we want to make the most of the many distinctive features of this well-established market town.

“I’m excited about the vision for the town, with once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities creating welcoming spaces and improving the look and feel of the town.

“Careful consideration has been given to the plans, which have been shaped by feedback from local people.

“We’re confident they will have a really positive impact on the town, making the most of its existing assets to make it a more attractive destination for shoppers, visitors and residents alike.”