Holmfirth residents are invited to have their say on big changes to the town centre
Holmfirth residents are being invited to have their say on the Holmfirth Blueprint – a new masterplan that is set to see big improvements to the town centre.
Holmfirth is one of four centres around Kirklees that are having new Blueprint plans developed. Over the past year, work has been undertaken to build masterplans for Holmfirth, as well as Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Batley with delivery continuing in the coming years.
The plans shared during this stage of consultation are based on feedback from the local community and local businesses through place standards engagement, as well as previous plans and project ideas from the town.
What are the proposals?
The proposed plans concentrate on five objectives: bringing the streets to life, helping Holmfirth to thrive, making Holmfirth accessible to all, putting the River Holme back at the heart of the town, and celebrating the identity of Holmfirth.
Improvements to the town centre could include wider pavements, better crossings, event space and more space for pedestrians at various locations including Bridge Lane, Sands Recreational Ground.
The River Holme had an essential role in the town’s history but the natural benefits that it brings have been eroded over the last decades. Putting the River Holme back at the heart of the town could provide an attractive focal point for Holmfirth to be proud of. Projects could include creating a continuous and accessible walking route throughout the town centre alongside improving access to the river edges and the introduction of art along the river. The transformation of Towngate could create more attractive spaces for people to relax and enjoy the river.
Making improved provisions for walking and cycling will support both those who are keen to make a change in the way they get around and those who find moving about more challenging. Well-designed streets will also avoid conflict between people travelling in different ways.
Holmfirth has a distinct physical and cultural heritage that Kirklees council is committed to supporting and celebrating throughout the town. The proposed plans identify opportunities to highlight this heritage and culture through new projects and developments in the town centre.
A wayfinding strategy could help bring together all of the strands and stories of the town’s heritage and become a catalyst for further heritage celebration, such as at key gateways to the town or in historic parts of the centre.
The council are urging members of the public to have their say on these proposed plans, which would greatly impact the local community and businesses, and would aim to attract more visitors to Holmfirth town centre.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
“These plans are a big step forward for the future of Holmfirth town centre, and we’ve got to this point by listening to the views of those who live in, work in and visit Holmfirth. It’s vital that the people of the town are part of the process and share our ambition for improvements. I’d encourage anyone that lives or works in Holmfirth to have their say on these plans.
“This work is about future-proofing the towns and villages we love, and we’ll be investing £1.5million in Holmfirth and other Kirklees centres over the coming years. We’re currently laying out a masterplan – a Blueprint – for the next ten years of progression, just as we’ve already done for our larger centres here in Kirklees. All across the district we want vibrant and varied town centres that will bring communities together, attract visitors, and be places where local businesses can thrive.”
How long is the consultation running for?
The consultation is open from 17 November to 17 December.
Members of the public can have their say online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/holmfirth-blueprint.
There will also be several in-person consultation sessions at Holmfirth Market:
- Tuesday 22 November, 6-8 pm
- Friday 25 November, 10 am-12 pm
- Wednesday 30 November, 2-4 pm
- Tuesday 6 December, 12 -2 pm
More information and hard copies of the survey will also be available in Holmfirth Library for the duration of the consultation.