By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council has unveiled the final designs for the Batley Blueprint, a transformative plan to revitalise the town centre.

The designs, which are now available for public viewing and feedback, mark the culmination of three years of consultation with residents and local business owners.

The Batley Blueprint is a long-term vision designed to breathe new life into the town centre by enhancing public spaces, improving connectivity, and attracting investment.

Public Engagement and Feedback Opportunities

The council is inviting residents to view the designs and share their thoughts by 27 January.

An engagement day will also be held at Batley Town Hall on Saturday, 18 January, from 10 am to 5 pm, allowing the community to engage with the plans in person.

Key Features of the Regeneration Plans

The designs aim to create a welcoming and pedestrian-friendly town centre, with a focus on several key themes:

• Enhanced Public Spaces: Regeneration of Commercial Street and Market Place to host events and activities.
• Improved Accessibility: Safer, better-connected routes around the town centre.
• Sustainable Travel: New features promoting eco-friendly transport.
• Green and Social Enhancements: Addition of trees, seating, lighting, and play areas.

The plans have been refined to reflect community feedback, ensuring that the designs resonate with Batley’s identity and meet local needs.

Funding the Vision

The project is supported by £12 million in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, supplemented by £2.5 million from Kirklees Council’s Local Centres funding and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, expressed gratitude for the community’s input, saying:
“This is a journey that began with engagements and consultations as far back as 2019.

“The result will be a revived town centre – more pedestrian-friendly, better connected, and ready to host events and displays.”

Shona Hatton, Director at Influence Landscape Planning and Design, emphasised the designs’ roots in Batley’s history and identity:
“The town centre needs renewal. This is an opportunity to design spaces that better serve Batley and its people, creating a new era for the town.”

Looking Ahead

Construction work on the project is set to begin in 2025, with completion expected in 2027.

The council is encouraging residents to review the full plans on the Batley Blueprint webpage and help shape the final design details.

This significant investment in Batley promises a vibrant and revitalised town centre, blending heritage with modernisation to support the community and attract new opportunities.