UKSPF investment across Kirklees
Investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has helped deliver a range of improvements across Kirklees, supporting town and local centres and helping to create spaces that people can enjoy for years to come.
Between 2022 and 2026, £1.87 million of UKSPF funding was delivered through the Town Centres Programme, including £1.28 million of capital funding and £591,000 of revenue funding.
The investment supported projects across Marsden, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Huddersfield and Dewsbury, alongside the wider Local Centres Programme. As well as delivering improvements on the ground, the funding has helped develop future regeneration opportunities through feasibility studies, masterplans and project development work.
Improving the places people use every day
UKSPF funding has supported a wide range of projects, from improvements to public spaces and pathways to new and upgraded community facilities.
In Huddersfield, investment has supported improvements to public realm spaces, including St Peter’s Gardens, alongside the Revive & Thrive programme, which has delivered shopfront enhancements, public artwork and environmental improvements across town centres, helping to add vibrancy to high streets and support local businesses.
Community facilities have also benefited from investment. New and refurbished play equipment has been provided at Spen Bottoms in Cleckheaton, Grange Moor and Sands Recreation Ground, while solar lighting has been installed at Firth Park.
At Dale Lane Heckmondwike, a volunteer-led community garden has created a new growing space for the local community.
Making it easier to enjoy our green spaces
Investment has also helped improve access to green spaces and walking routes across Kirklees.
At Spen Bottoms Cleckheaton, entrance, pathway and wayfinding improvements have been delivered alongside the development of a wider masterplan for the site. The masterplan looks at the future of the nature reserve, including its environmental potential and how people can enjoy the space.
In Holmfirth, two new pathway links have been created at Bowling Green, while improvements have also been made to pathways in Marsden.
Two sections of the Pennine Way from Binn Road have been resurfaced, helping to keep these routes accessible throughout the year.
Supporting Marsden’s future
Marsden has benefited from a number of projects through the programme.
The historic Marsden Bandstand has been repaired, sanded back and repainted, while graffiti removal and drainage improvements have also been carried out.
Improvements around Marsden Bridge have included changes to vehicle access and pavement improvements, helping to create a more accessible route for pedestrians.
Work has also supported plans for Peel Street as part of the wider Marsden Blueprint. Alongside UKSPF investment, the project is supported by Council investment through the Local Regeneration Fund.
Feasibility and design work has also been carried out at Peel Street and Towngate, helping to develop plans for future improvements and understand how these areas could be brought forward.
Looking beyond individual projects
While some of the investment has delivered visible improvements, these projects have also played an important role in preparing for future regeneration.
We’d love to hear what you think and see how you’ve experienced these improvements, so please share your photos and feedback with us at KirkleesBlueprints@kirklees.gov.uk.