Works to begin on £10.3m town centre improvement scheme

From 1 July work will start on the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, a £10.3m investment scheme to create a more accessible town centre for businesses, residents and visitors.

Initial work starts at Huddersfield Road Car Park, where the existing market hall and footbridge will be replaced with a community events space where markets and events will take place throughout the year, drawing in visitors and cultivating the local economy.

There will also be electric vehicle points, car parking facilities, widened footbridge and footways, new kerbing, and improved drainage.

Pavements will be resurfaced to improve safety in the town centre, the pedestrian crossing on Victoria Street will also be signalised, along with better street lighting, traffic signals and signage.

David Shepherd, strategic director for growth and regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “Holmfirth is a beautiful town, and a fantastic place to live, visit and spend time.

“The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan will give longevity to the area, modernising Holmfirth’s unique offering, whilst embracing and celebrating the town’s world-famous heritage.

“Once complete, the town centre will be a much more accessible and enjoyable for all, whilst we continue to help local businesses thrive and boost the local economy, whilst improving congestion, journey times and encourage active travel.

“This is scheme is a collaborative effort by the community, council and the Combined Authority to create a brighter future for Holmfirth.”

Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan is a partnership project between the council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

It aims to help cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions by prioritising sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling and public transport, while supporting the growth and development of the cultural sector.