Kirklees Council’s plans to improve the area around Huddersfield train station and improve connectivity to the rest of the town are on track.
In light of the upcoming Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve adjusted plans and give the go ahead for a public consultation, in their meeting on 22 June.
The council has been working in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Trans Pennine Express to develop the ambitious plans, collectively known as the ‘Railway Station Gateway’, one of six key areas of regeneration under the council’s 10-year Blueprint vision for the town.
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said:
“Whilst Huddersfield Railway Station is already a striking arrival place for visitors, these plans will deliver a high-quality public space surrounding it and improve connectivity to the town centre.
The new infrastructure will not only enhance the station forecourt but will improve pedestrian access with the bus station via Trinity Street and offer better movement around the space.
Providing better access to public transport, increasing active travel, like walking and cycling opportunities, and adding additional park and ride spaces will encourage people out of their cars and help us to reduce carbon emissions.
We are agreeing these improvements at the same time as accelerating the Cultural Heart programme to make Huddersfield a first-class destination for residents and visitors. Our transport plans are an integral part of making the town welcoming, accessible and a draw for even greater investment.”
The scope of the project has been adjusted to compliment the future TRU, which will include a new platform and provides an opportunity to look at improving facilities in the station. This may include new cafes, restaurants, and retail to improve the experience for passengers.
Plans focus on improving three routes for walking, cycling and public transport: Kirkgate/Trinity Street – linking the station to the Trinity West mixed-use development (former Kirklees College) site and Greenhead College beyond, Northumberland Street – connecting to the University of Huddersfield’s proposed health innovation campus at Southgate on the route to the St John’s Smith’s Stadium and John William Street/St John’s Road – joining to the new Huddersfield Market in Brook Street and Cambridge Road car park.
Various options are also being considered for improving the crossing facilities on the Castlegate section of the ring road. These include upgrading the underpass, improving the existing crossing, or constructing a foot/cycle bridge.
Funding will come from a revised application to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority under the Transforming Cities Fund and the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.
The report will go to the council’s Cabinet meeting today where Members will be asked to give the go-ahead to start public consultation on the plans this September.
For more information go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/huddersfieldblueprint