What will new normal be like for Huddersfield?
PLANS for what Huddersfield town centre will look like post-lockdown are being drawn up by business leaders.
As lockdown restrictions are gradually eased shops, businesses, food and drink establishments in the town centre are starting to re-open with many more due to soon open their doors for the first time in ten weeks.
Huddersfield BID, the town centre’s Business Improvement District, was set up last year to promote and enhance the town centre and encourage more people to use it.
And as the recovery begins Huddersfield BID has launched a new Huddersfield Taskforce Group, which meets remotely, to draw up an action plan for what the future will look like while keeping people safe.
So what will Huddersfield look like in the “new normal”?
1. Social distancing: Huddersfield BID is working with Kirklees Council, shopping centres and public transport bodies to ensure a common plan for social distancing and movement throughout the town centre;
2. Enhanced cleaning and sanitising: Huddersfield BID paid for a “deep clean” of the town centre in February and this project will continue. There are plans to look at hand sanitising stations and the provision of face masks;
3. New signage: New signs will be installed to remind people about social distancing and also about the symptoms of Covid-19;
4. Highlighting ‘hotspot’ locations: Some streets and alleyways may not lend themselves to social distancing. Working with Kirklees Council, Huddersfield BID will look at options such as closing streets to traffic, creating one-way streets or widening pavements;
5. Inclusive social distancing: Schemes will be looked at for walking routes which are accessible for people with disabilities and also manage social distancing;
6. Walking and cycling: Huddersfield BID will investigate ways to make the town centre more accessible on foot and by bicycle.
7. Public access points: Special attention will be paid to the bus and railway station, bus stops, car parks and car park stairwells where social distancing could prove difficult. Clear action will be needed at peak times in particular;
8. Communication: Town centre businesses will be kept informed and consulted every step of the way and, when the time is right, a marketing campaign will be launched to demonstrate that public safety measures are in place and that Huddersfield town centre is a safe place to return to;
9. A new presence on the streets: Stewarding may well help public confidence and Huddersfield BID’s new Street Ambassador team will be
launched in June;
10. Markets and street vendors: Outdoor leisure and hospitality may be needed to help certain sectors adapt to the “new normal” so Huddersfield BID will work with Kirklees Council to look at new public spaces in the town centre which may include pop-up food and drink stalls.
Huddersfield BID chairman Daniel Krigers, a partner at Huddersfield law firm Chadwick Lawrence, said despite the effects of the pandemic the future of the town centre remained bright.
“While the impact of lockdown has, of course, had a devastating impact, businesses in Huddersfield are resilient and adaptable and are ready to find innovative new ways to trade in a changed environment,” he said.
“As lockdown restrictions are lifted Huddersfield BID will be ready with a plan in place to help the town centre re-open for business as quickly and as safely as possible.
“We want people to come back as soon as it’s safe to enjoy what the town centre has to offer.”
Huddersfield BID has also launched a questionnaire which can be completed online.