By KLTV Newsdesk –

Plans include calmer traffic, safer streets, and vibrant new public spaces

The final designs for the regeneration of Batley town centre have been revealed, promising major improvements to accessibility, road safety, and public spaces.

The project, which covers Western, Middle and Eastern Commercial Street, Brunswick Street and Market Place, has been shaped by more than three years of consultation with residents and local businesses.

Following engagement earlier this year, the designs have now been agreed and are moving into the technical stage, with construction scheduled to begin in Autumn 2026.

“A Scheme That Delivers for Batley”

Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “We have carefully considered the views of residents and businesses, while also carrying out traffic modelling over the spring and summer, helping to inform the design, to create a scheme that delivers for Batley.

“These plans will improve accessibility for all in the town centre as well as creating vibrant new public spaces for people to meet, socialise and explore the great businesses in the heart of Batley.

“We will continue to provide key updates as construction gets underway and keep the disruption to a minimum for everyone where possible.”

A £14.5m Investment in Batley

The regeneration is a £14.5 million project, funded by £12 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, with additional contributions of around £2.5 million from Kirklees Council’s Local Centres funding and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

As part of the scheme, new traffic-calming measures will be introduced, including a 20mph speed limit on Commercial Street and the closure of Eastern Commercial Street to vehicles, making the area safer and more welcoming for pedestrians.

Key Features of the Design

The final plans set out a vision for a safer, greener, and more accessible town centre, with spaces designed to encourage social interaction and sustainable travel. Highlights include:

• Market Place – partially levelled with new steps, improved cycling and walking routes, and utilities to support market stalls and events.

• Western Commercial Street – expanded public space with planting, new street furniture, and measures to prevent pavement parking.

• Middle Commercial Street – prioritised for pedestrians and cyclists, with restricted vehicle access, new on-street parking, and stronger links to the car park.

• Eastern Commercial Street – pedestrianised with improved crossings, creating a safer environment and providing two-way access to The Taproom from Wellington Street.

• The Commercial Link – a new landscaped public route from Tesco car park to Commercial Street, featuring ramps, steps, and public art celebrating Batley.

• Brunswick Street – designed in line with The Commercial Link, with soft landscaping, shallow steps, and Sustainable Urban Drainage to better manage surface water.

Transforming the Heart of the Town

The regeneration forms a key part of the Batley Blueprint, a wider vision to create a town centre that is safe, welcoming, and family-friendly.

By prioritising people over traffic and celebrating Batley’s identity, the scheme aims to create a hub where residents, visitors, and businesses can thrive.