Public have chance to see £210m town revamp plan
TOWN HALL CHIEFS TO RUN ‘DROP-IN SHOPS’
COUNCIL chiefs are running a ‘drop-in shop’ on the piazza in Huddersfield town centre from this Saturday for four weeks so that people can see for themselves the plans being considered for the £210m ‘cultural heart.’
The massive revamp – part of the overall £250m Huddersfield Blueprint – will see the piazza demolished and replaced with a town park, a new library, museum and art gallery.
The drop-in shop has been set up as part of a consultation on the regeneration plans – the biggest in Huddersfield for half a century. It means those who might not have access to the internet can offer their views in person.
A council spokesperson said: “We know that around 90% of Kirklees households have access to the internet.
“Despite this, we know that it is also important to provide other channels to make sure that everyone gets the chance to take part.
“There are numerous ways for residents, businesses and other stakeholders to get involved with the ongoing consultation on the plans for Kirklees’ Cultural Heart.
“As well as a dedicated website, there is a drop in ‘shop’ on the piazza in Huddersfield, which is open every weekday for four weeks, plus Saturday, June 11.
“Consultation team members are on hand to answer questions and support anyone wanting to give feedback.”
The council says consultation forms and other materials, which explain the proposals are available in libraries across the district. Paper forms are available with a freepost address, and a phone line has been set up that is staffed during office hours for anyone that can’t access the digital platform or who simply wish to speak to someone.”
Clr Graham Turner, the council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This current phase of consultation is going to help our team to continue to develop the design proposals for the Cultural Heart and it’s really important people have their say.
“We understand that not everyone has access to the internet and that is why we’ve arranged a dropin ‘shop,’ produced materials in paper formats, set up a phone line and freepost service, and ensured information is available in libraries.”
For more information, visit www.kirkleesculturalheart.co.uk/ have-your-say or email info@ kirkleesculturalheart.co.uk.
A freephone number is available on 0808 175 4300, or you can write to FREEPOST Cultural Heart. Anyone with additional enquiries, or who requires the information in different formats and/or languages, can get in touch with a member of the consultation team.