Renewed plans for multi-million Halifax regeneration and town centre improvements to go before planners

Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee is being asked to approve the council’s own plans for phase two – of five – of works which will see major improvements to the A629 which links Halifax and Huddersfield costing around £120 million.

If councillors agree when they meet in virtual form for the first time next week, this phase will see major regeneration work in Halifax town centre, including improved pedestrian and cycling routes and better bus and rail connectivity, much of it in Halifax Town Centre Conservation Area.

Plans submitted last year were withdrawn because they would have meant demolishing the former Hughes Corporation building near Halifax Railway Station, which dates back to the 19th century and has since been given Grade II listed building status.

The new proposals, which planning officers recommend should be approved, incorporate the building into the new plans, forming the Eastern Gateway to the town centre, linking the station and the historic Grade I listed Piece Hall.

Work will include improving public areas, pedestrianising Market Street and part of Commercial Street and Northgate, road widening, junction improvements and better interchange between improved bus and rail stations and services.

Two representations have been received on the plan, including one from Halifax Civic Trust, which is generally supportive.

Concerns include increased vehicle usage which is likely to result from Westgate to Albion Street along Southgate, and placing of a bus stop outside the Grade II listed former Theatre Royal building.

The Trust is concerned there is a lack of linkages to the Town Centre Master Plan and physical linkages to proposed schemes for Dean Clough and Berry Lane which they believe should include landscaping.

But the Trust does say: “This is a much improved proposal recognising the listing of the Hughes Building.

“The application contains a great deal of detail on the public realm improvements including good use of materials, street furniture and the public realm, where the drawings are particularly clear, for example concerning the new public space improving the setting of the library.”

If their remaining concerns can be remedied the Civic Trust would support the proposals, it says.

Planners believe concerns can be addressed, and add that 22 parking spaces at Bull Green will now be retained.

The council believes overall A629 scheme will reduce congestion on the route between Halifax and Huddersfield and to boost the local economy with funding from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.

The meeting will be screened via the council’s YouTube Channel next Tuesday, June 16, from 2pm.