Halifax town centre transformation plans to see roads closed to vehicles

The A629 Phase 2, Halifax town centre project is fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and aims to improve pedestrian and cycle access into and within Halifax town centre.

It also includes an upgrade of the highway network around the town.

Plans also include the proposed pedestrianisation of Market Street and other streets in the town centre. A revised bus network would also be implemented.

Planning consent has recently been granted for the revised scheme and earlier this month, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority approved progression to the next stage of development.

As part of the next steps for the project, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet will now discuss the process of acquiring the land needed for the improvement work.

Negotiations are currently underway with the landowners of the required sites and the Council has said the discussions have largely been positive.

Members will be asked to note the progress of discussions and approve the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders if required.

These would only be used as a last resort, as efforts will continue to negotiate land purchase settlements.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Councillor Jane Scullion, said: “The proposed improvements in Halifax town centre aim to create safer, more accessible and user-friendly routes, making active travel a more attractive option. The plans not only support our carbon neutral targets, but also the future economic recovery of our towns.

“The latest designs for the scheme, which incorporate the former Hughes Corporation building, have been approved at planning committee and by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is fully funding the scheme.

“Following final agreements with land owners, we hope that work on the project can start next year with an estimated completion date of 2024. Work will be taking place around the town centre, so we’ll be managing the project in phases to minimise disruption.”

The project is fully funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, which was established in 2014 using the £1 billion Leeds City Region Growth Deal package.

West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund schemes are designed to increase housing, employment and economic growth across the Leeds City Region and include new and expanded highways, improved access corridors and junctions for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and enhanced provision of parking at rail stations and greater investment in public transport infrastructure.

The item will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 7 December. This will take place virtually and will be live streamed through Calderdale Council’s YouTube channel from 6pm.