Calderdale Reform announce change to Halifax town centre revamp work
Calderdale Reform have announced a modification to the Halifax town centre revamp work which is currently underway.
But it is not clear what amendment they have made.
On the party's Facebook page last night, it posted: “We have amended the plans for the works at the bottom of Halifax town centre, meaning the road between the Imperial Crown Hotel and the Woolshops Car Park will no longer be closed as previously planned.”
All the the plans for that part of the town centre are listed on the Calderdale Next Chapter website - but none include closing that stretch of road.
It could be that the party is referring to the plan to create a public space on the approach to The Piece Hall, which would have seen rising bollards introduced on Square Road to allow access for approved vehicles only.
Or councillors may be saying they have decided to scrap the planned bus gate on Charles Street – which runs from outside Burger King to outside Woolshops Car Park.
The proposal – part of a huge project funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) – would have meant only buses, cycles, taxis and motorcycles could travel along that stretch of road.
Access to Woolshops Car Park for cars would have been maintained.
Reform has not said whether or not the change has been approved by WYCA, or if any other amendments are being made.
The Courier asked Calderdale Council for clarification, and whether the change has been approved by WYCA, last night but has yet to receive a response.
Work on a huge traffic overhaul which will transform how people travel around Halifax town centre began in 2024.
The current phase of work, at the bottom of the town centre, started in April and is due to be completed in Autumn 2027.
It also includes a safer and easier crossing between Halifax Rail Station and the town centre; a new road and new routes aimed at improving traffic flow; a new public space on the approach to The Piece Hall, new parking on Alfred Street East and new bus stops.
A new road is being created to the east of the Hughes Corporation building which will follow the old alignment of Church Street and serve as the main road carrying traffic around the eastern side of Halifax.
Work at the top of the town centre, which is now finished, has included removing Bull Green Roundabout.
Calderdale Council has previously said once finished, the revamp will “improve journey times for everyone, make travel safer, improve public spaces and air quality, and boost economic growth”.