Art scheme aims to brighten up streets
TO APPEAR IN HUDDERSFIELD AND DEWSBURY
CREATIVE art installations costing £200,000 are to spring up in Huddersfield and Dewsbury this summer.
They will include green planters and “a rainbow of ribbons” to brighten up both towns as part of their post-lockdown recovery.
The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced pubs and restaurants can re-open from July 4.
Kirklees Council’s decisionmaking Cabinet is expected to sign off on the plans on June 29.
Clr Rob Walker (Lab, Colne Valley), Cabinet Member for Culture, said the proposals were part of the authority’s journey to “come back stronger” following the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: “They will help encourage people to explore beyond the shops and to find safe spaces amidst the buildings to enjoy the visual experiences in socially distant ways.”
The project received the backing of Green councillor Andrew Cooper, whose Newsome ward includes Huddersfield town centre.
He applauded the council’s plan and said it was “great that something is happening.”
Huddersfield and Dewsbury will receive:
A “rainbow river of ribbons” above the town centre
New planters and green planting around the town
Artworks in shop windows A pop-up sculpture trail A hidden gallery in bricked-up windows or old buildings
Dewsbury will also get an outdoor gallery along Long Causeway and around the town hall. Hoardings in Huddersfield will also be decorated.
The council brought in a number of temporary emergency road changes in Huddersfield on June 15 to coincide with shops re-opening in the town centres.
Further temporary measures are being planned for the end of the month.
Cabinet will investigate the feasibility of extending cycle-only streets within the town centre and look to introduce a pop-up cycle and e-scooter hire facility on St George’s Square as well as “a modest increase” in cycle parking provision in both towns.
The council says the measures are in line with the Government’s Active Travel plans with the Government seeing what is described as “the temporary re-allocation of road space” as a first step to encourage active travel.
It also helps with social distancing and road safety in town centres and outlying areas.
Clr Cooper said: “I am really pleased the council is spending money on making Huddersfield more attractive.
“I’ve seen the difference street art can make to towns and cities in Europe and we need to make going into Huddersfield an experience.
“If it is challenging and different and unusual then that’s good as well.”
He added: “I know some people will criticise - that’s the nature of things but if we always err on the side of caution and change nothing then nothing positive will ever happen.
“Great that something is happening.”