By KLTV Newsdesk –
Improvements to the pedestrian area outside Dewsbury Library are set to start later this month.
The works form part of Kirklees Council’s Dewsbury Blueprint which aims to make the town more attractive and accessible to shoppers, visitors and investors.
Cabinet Members approved the investment of £340,000 in September 2020 to transform the area outside the library on Railway Street by opening up space and improving access.
What’s Changing?
Existing paving will be replaced with newer material, improved planting areas will be created with seating areas, and accent lighting will also be introduced to enhance the area.
The council says these improvements will make it a more attractive, safer and easier space for shoppers and visitors to move between the Library and business park, and onto the town centre via the underpass.
New signage outside the library will also be installed, with the aim of making it more visible and better at directing people towards the library entrance.
‘Improving Accessibility’
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “I’m pleased we’re making improvements to one of the main thoroughfares into the town centre from the business park side of the town.
“The redesign of this area, as part of our wider Blueprint plans to rejuvenate Dewsbury, will improve accessibility and encourage more shoppers and visitors to use this route more often.
“New footpaths, lighting and planting areas will also make it a safer and more attractive space which will help to draw people into the library, local shops and onto the town centre.”
The works, due to start by the end of the month are expected to last 12 weeks.
Whilst footpaths and the underpass are expected to remain open for most of the work, temporary diversions may be put in place for the duration.
While these changes will enhance the area leading to the underpass under Rishworth Road, further work is also being planned as part of the creative town element of the Blueprint plans.