Programme of renewal revealed for town centre

New designs for Batley town centre have been unveiled, following three years of public consultation.

Part of Batley Blueprint – a long-term vision and framework to guide development in the town – the designs are intended to bring new life, connectivity and investment to the town centre.

In 2023 Kirklees Council secured £14.5m worth of Government and local funding for the project.

The council says the design focus on creating a welcoming town centre, with the key themes of creating great public spaces, a vibrant marketplace, better accessibility and sustainable travel.

Work will be undertaken to regenerate Commercial Street, revive Market Place for events, and improve connections in and around the town centre through new public spaces and better and safer access.

The designs also include new trees, seating, lighting and play in the town centre.

The project is being delivered through £12m worth of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, alongside around £2.5m from the council’s Local Centres funding and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance & regeneration, said: “This is a journey that began with engagements and consultations as far back as 2019 and we’re extremely grateful for the inputs we’ve received from the community at each stage – it is their feedback that has shaped this design.

“We’re excited to show the people of Batley the design we’ve reached through this latest process, and I’d encourage everyone to view it in-person or online when it’s revealed in January.

“The result will be a revived town centre – one that is more pedestrian-friendly, better connected and better prepared to put on events, performances and displays.”

The proposals have been created by a design team led by landscape architects Influence.

Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning and Design, said: “We were extremely proud to win this commission.

“The designs have considered a wealth of information from previous consultations and engagements, and create a vision that draws on the history and identity of the town to help physically regenerate it for the future. We now ask for people’s final opinions on that vision.

“There are many positives about Batley, it has a thriving and growing night time economy, a strong and diverse community and distinguished buildings, but the town centre needs a renewal.

“This is an opportunity for that to happen, to look to the future, to design spaces that better serve the town and its people – to create a new era for Batley.”

Works are due to start this year, and the council says it hope to complete these changes to Batley town centre in 2027.