Fresh look for town makeover blueprint
PLANS to transform a major part of Halifax town centre are on the move again, following a key redesign.
Calderdale Council’s latest proposals in the ongoing scheme to transform the A629, which links Halifax and Huddersfield, takes in Halifax town centre with a brief to create new jobs by boosting economic prosperity and address issues of accessibility, with public transport links a key factor, save journey times and provide good value for money.
An ambitious scheme first went before planners last year, but hit serious snags when the former Hughes Corporation building, which originally dates back to 1864 and was to be demolished, received
Grade II-Listed building status from Heritage England.
But the new designs which have been submitted for planning permission see the Eastern Gateway area between Halifax Railway Station - for which there are also ambitious proposals - and the historic Piece Hall now fully incorporates the building into the plans.
Calderdale planners believe the building now enhances the overall look of the scheme, with minimal impact to the original highway proposals.
The Halifax town centre scheme is one part of the council’s wider plans to tackle congestion on the A629 between Halifax and Huddersfield, helping to boost the local economy, with funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.
This phase of the project includes the creation of a modified route into and out of the east of Halifax, to allow through traffic to avoid the town centre.
It also includes improvements to the western route to reduce congestion - both enhancements helping towards reduced emissions and better air quality.
Designs include significant changes to make it easier to walk and cycle around the town, encouraging active travel, and bus users will see a revised bus network to allow for better connectivity with the rail station.
It is envisaged there will be increased bus services and much improved facilities, with a new bus station planned for the existing site.
In addition, the proposals introduce high-quality improvements to the look and feel of the town centre, including the proposed pedestrianisation of Market Street.
Subject to planning approval and further agreement with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, work on the Halifax town centre project is due to start on site in spring next year.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Resources, Clr Jane Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot), said the scheme was a key milestone in the muchanticipated transformation of Halifax town centre.
“The revised proposals around the Piece Hall and rail station are really exciting, as the former Hughes Corporation building is cleverly worked into plans to make the area more attractive and accessible.
“This phase of the A629 project will make it much easier to get around the town and will especially benefit users of public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.
“The benefits of the scheme and investment in and around the town centre will also provide opportunities for workers, residents and visitors to the town,” she said.
Calderdale’s planners argue that regarding the proposals’ identified harm to the non-designated Hermitage Mews and the former pedestrian gate piers to Halifax Railway Station, heritage benefits which will be gained are considered to outweigh any disadvantages.