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Have your say on Calderdale's future
There will never be a better chance for people in Calderdale to contribute to its growth and prosperity. So why not put pen to paper and join the big debate?
We are five years into Halifax: Streets Ahead! a 25-year vision of Halifax Renaissance which laid out the many hopes and aspirations for the future of the town centre.
The well-documented troubles at HBOS and the underlying economic situation have made this a difficult passage in Halifax's history.
But it has not deflected the interest of developers in pressing ahead with exciting plans for Broad Street and Hopwood Lane.
Nor has it taken away the drive to improve Halifax centre and make it an even more attractive place to visit.
Lots has already been achieved but in an evolving landscape there is still plenty to be done. Key pedestrian links from places like Eureka, the Minster, Dean Clough to the town centre are planned.
There is a desire for better shopping and the restoration of the Piece Hall is integral to the future. The Hebble Valley footway and the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Minster are important too.
"This is an exciting time for Halifax town centre. Much has been achieved over the last five years and there are new opportunities to improve the appeal of the town and its facilities for local people," says Calderdale Council leader Stephen Baines.
But there has never been a better time to step back and ask: what has been achieved so far? What still needs to be achieved? And what new ideas can be embraced over the next five years?
The success of Halifax town centre is vital to us all:
It is the main shopping centre in the district and the most accessible to the people of Calderdale.
Commercial confidence in the centre is vital to attract the investment needed to make the improvements people want to see. This is also vital to local businesses with boards of directors elsewhere, such as Lloyds Bank and Nestle. They need to be encouraged to continue to invest in Calderdale.
Tourism is increasingly recognised to have significant potential to create new jobs in Calderdale.
Attractions such as Eureka, the Piece Hall and Halifax Minster have a real potential to attract more people into the town and, with it, increased economic prosperity for the district.
The town centre is the most accessible part of the district and a key location for accessing services offered by the council and other agencies.
It provides employment opportunities in shops and offices. Dean Clough is just one of the town's great success stories and accommodates over 2,000 jobs with the potential for more.
Within Calderdale, Halifax is the main centre for entertainment and leisure with restaurants, five theatres, a public swimming pool, a sports centre and health and fitness centres. Improving upon this is of crucial importance to the quality of life for the residents of Calderdale.
Councillor Amanda Byrne, portfolio holder for economy and the environment, says: "The Halifax master plan gives the public of Calderdale a chance to contribute to what needs to be done to improve the centre and attract investment."
See the Masterplan proposals in full
Have your sayTHIS is your chance to comment on Halifax's future.
Which proposals do you like and support? Which proposals do you dislike? Are there any other ideas for the town centre you think should be considered?
If you have any comments about the proposals or new ideas that should be considered, please write now to:
Halifax Town Centre Master Plan,
Freepost, HX 3157, Chief Executive's Office, Town Hall, Halifax, HX1 1BR
Or e-mail Jo Budgen at
jo.budgen@calderdale.gov.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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