Revised plans drawn up to transform town centre

Work to transform Elland town centre is progressing, with revised plans developed for the Southgate area of the town and the Coronation Street car park.

Over £6m from the Future High Streets Fund is to be invested in improvements to public spaces and the main shopping areas around Southgate.

It forms part of a portfolio of projects worth more than £30m for Elland town centre and the surrounding local area.

Earlier this year, Calderdale Council held an engagement event in the centre of Elland to gather feedback on options for the Southgate area, specifically plans for the Coronation Street car park.

Responses collected at the event, as well as further comments from residents and local businesses has been collated and the council has now developed new proposals for the area following that feedback.

Plans for the preferred option bring planting and trees to the high street, improves access onto Southgate for pedestrians and creates a public seating area. This option also retains 17 parking bays in the Coronation Street car park, with an extra two parking spaces created on the adjacent road.

New disability parking and drop-off bays are planned on Coronation Street with a ramped footpath providing safe and step-free access to the high street.

The Southgate plans are part of wider Future High Street Fund developments in the town.

Further plans include revised road layouts with wider pavements and other measures to make the town centre easier to use and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Enhancements to the Market Square are also recommended as well as the refurbishment of a local community building – the Cartwheel Club – which would bring the property back into use as a multifunctional hub for community groups.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for towns, engagement and public health, Councillor Sarah Courtney, said: “Following further feedback discussions with local people, we’re happy to be able to progress plans for the Southgate area of Elland town centre.

“The preferred option will retain more parking spaces in the Coronation Street car park, but also enable the development of an events area, with green space and seating.

“The new designs, alongside wider plans for the town will help transform the centre of Elland and make it an even better place to live, work or visit.

“We’ll soon be appointing a contractor to carry out the works in the town and I look forward to seeing the plans becoming a reality.”