By KLTV Newsdesk –

Mayor and council leaders approve major funding package to improve transport, housing and economic growth across the region

Almost a quarter of a billion pounds of investment has been approved to transform communities across Kirklees and West Yorkshire and support the region’s long-term ambitions for economic growth, improved transport and better places to live and work.

Mayor Tracy Brabin and the leaders of the region’s five councils signed off the investment pipeline at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on 12 March, unlocking £230 million for projects spanning Kirklees, Calderdale, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield.

The funding will support improvements to public transport, expanded walking and cycling routes, and new spaces for businesses to grow, part of a wider push to create a stronger, better-connected West Yorkshire.

Building on billions already invested

The new funding adds to the multibillion-pound investment the region has received since devolution, and comes ahead of a £2 billion integrated settlement for West Yorkshire due to begin in April.

The settlement will give the Mayor and Combined Authority greater flexibility over how funding is spent across the region.

Speaking ahead of the meeting in Leeds, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This is a huge moment for West Yorkshire, as we deliver on our promises and change lives for the better in every corner of our great region.

“Almost a quarter of a billion pounds of investment will help us to get shovels in the ground, boost public transport, build new homes, and back the communities and businesses that keep our region moving.

“With all five districts coming together to work as one West Yorkshire powerhouse, we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job of building a stronger, greener, fairer and better-connected region – one that puts more money in people’s pockets and grows the UK economy.”

Major projects planned in Kirklees

Several significant projects were approved for Kirklees as part of the funding package.

A new £10.5 million bus station in Heckmondwike is due to open in 2026 as the first hub in the region’s Weaver Network.

The development will include additional bus stops, indoor seating, accessible facilities and a green roof fitted with solar panels.

Meanwhile, £7.5 million has been approved for construction works across Dewsbury town centre.

The project will deliver new footpaths, crossings and cycle lanes. A further £10 million will be used to improve transport links between Batley and Dewsbury.

Health technology growth in Huddersfield

The region’s new Investment Zone is also set to strengthen West Yorkshire’s position as a global hub for health technology.

Plans include remediation of the Gasworks Street South site within the wider Huddersfield Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor.

The development will support innovation in health technology and complement the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus.

Thousands of homes proposed for Dewsbury Riverside

The investment could also unlock a major housing development at Dewsbury Riverside, with up to 3,000 homes proposed south of the town centre.

Plans include new green spaces and a network of garden communities, alongside improved transport connections made possible by the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Local leaders welcome investment

Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, welcomed the announcement: “This is another welcome boost for our economy.

“Across Kirklees, we’re seeing investment in our transport and economic infrastructure which will deliver jobs and opportunities for families and communities long into the future.”