By Leah Conway –
Kirklees Council has submitted a planning application for the improvement of Holmfirth town centre. The town centre improvements will be part of the ‘Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan’, which is a £3.9 million project.
What changes will Holmfirth Town Centre see?
The plan proposed the demolition of the former market hall building and extension of the adjacent Huddersfield Road car park. The demotion would make way for more parking spaces, including two electric vehicle charging points, and the relocation of disabled bays. However, these proposals requires planning permission.
The plan is for the new car park to be able to host events and markets. The inclusion of multiple water and electricity points will enable this.
The council proposed plans to add three new footways. The footpath will connect Huddersfield Road and Hollowgate to improve movement through the town.
Another proposal is to replace the bridge over the River Holme. Plans include a wider deck providing improved views of the river. The changes could include opportunities for additional event space, cycle parking and seating.
The planning application has now been submitted and the planning application is now open to view on the Kirklees Planning Portal (Reference 2021/62/92946/W)
The public can comment on the application until 31 August 2021 and the anticipated decision date is 15 September 2021.
The scheme forms part of wider plans to improve road access across Kirklees and is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.
‘Re-purpose the town centre’
Kirklees Council are working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) on these plans. The aim is to make the town centre more attractive, improve journey times, ease congestion, and improve overall access for residents and visitors.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Kirklees Council Leader said: “I am pleased that we are moving forward with our plans for Holmfirth town centre. These proposals will re-purpose the town centre, making it a vibrant place to be and will enhance the areas for festivals. It will provide much-needed improvements for pedestrians, whilst still improving traffic flow through the area.
“Holmfirth is one of the many places in Kirklees that attracts large numbers of visitors, we are confident that these changes will improve the experience of the town centre for residents and visitors alike.”