Kirklees Council is asking for views on plans to improve connections between Huddersfield rail station and the rest of the town centre.The plans, which have been developed by Kirklees Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will make it easier for everyone to make their way between the rail station and the places where they live, learn, work or visit.
This scheme focuses on the next series of proposed improvements for the town centre as part of the the Huddersfield Blueprint, which is a 10-year vision to help create a thriving, modern-day, family-friendly town centre.
One of the six key areas earmarked for regeneration through the Huddersfield Blueprint is the station gateway. At the heart of the gateway is Huddersfield Railway Station, the second busiest in West Yorkshire. Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade will improve the railway that runs through Huddersfield to Leeds, Manchester and beyond, to help support economic growth.
The scheme will complement these longer-term plans to boost rail services in Huddersfield by improving access for people travelling across the town and to the train and bus stations. The council and its partners have completed an assessment of the key issues the scheme needs to address. These include: town centre streets dominated by vehicles; the need for buses to continue to connect to the rail station; the need for cars, motorcycles, cycles and taxis to still reach the parking at the station; junctions on the ring road that are not easy for walking and cycling;, a lack of on-street cycle lanes; low quality pavements in some areas; not enough tree planting and other greenery; bus stops and shelters that are not always located in the best positions; and passenger congestion inside the rail station at busy times.
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
“The town is in the middle of an ambitious period of investment and regeneration that has already seen major successes.
“The changes we are proposing will help encourage more walking, cycling, bus and rail travel. These sustainable modes of travel are not only key to us addressing the climate emergency but instrumental in improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Kirklees.
“The scheme will also help to prepare the town centre for the upcoming Transpennine Route Upgrade which is in the best interests of us all. Improved travel from Kirklees and into the North of England is essential for our economic future.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“Making public transport work for people and tackling the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038 are at the heart of my Mayoral pledges. This important scheme will not only help us do that, it will also connect more people with job, education and training opportunities.
“A better and more inclusive transport network goes beyond getting people from A to B. It is about getting all of us — our people, our communities, our businesses - to where we want to be as a region.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee and Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council on these proposals to improve the transport connections between Huddersfield Rail Station and the rest of the town centre.
“I would encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity to help shape the plans by taking part in the public consultation.”
These schemes are being delivered through the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at providing a viable alternative to car journeys.
There are more than £66 million worth of ambitious transport improvement schemes being delivered through this programme in Kirklees.
The council has broken down the proposals for Huddersfield Rail Station Connections into six distinct areas: Northumberland Street & John William Street, St John’s Road, Trinity Street, Brunswick Street Footpath, Huddersfield Rail Station Ticket Hall, and Mobility Hubs.
To find out more information and to have your say visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.
The public consultation runs from 12 October to 8 November 2021.