From Monday 1st July, work will start on the £10.3 million Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan.
Initial work starts at Huddersfield Road Car Park, where the existing market hall and footbridge will be replaced with a unique community events space where markets and events will take place throughout the year, drawing in visitors and cultivating the local economy. Along with electric vehicle points, car parking facilities, widened footbridge and footways, new kerbing, and improved drainage. Pavements will be resurfaced which will improve safety in the town centre, the pedestrian crossing on Victoria Street will also be signalised, along with improved 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.”
Huddersfield Road Car Park (Holmfirth Market) will be closed throughout the construction to ensure the safety of the public and the construction team. Alternative public parking can be found at Bridge Lane Car Park, Crown Bottom Car Park, Council Office Car Park and Town Gate Car Parks (bus station).
The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan is a partnership project between the council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and a result of multiple rounds of consultation, community engagement events and resident and business feedback, all of which has been fundamental to the planning stage for this scheme to ensure it meets the needs of the community.
The scheme aims to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by prioritising sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport, while ensuring accessibility for all, and supporting the growth and development of the cultural sector.
More information about the project and the Holmfirth Blueprint can be found online at kirklees.gov.uk/holmfirth-blueprint.