Local people are invited to have their say on exciting plans for proposed improvements in Elland town centre.
Elland is one of the oldest settlements in Calderdale and it has a number of positives as a town, with high-quality historic buildings and a variety of independent retailers. However, there are also a number of areas that have been identified as requiring improvement, such as the lack of green space and there being no clear centre to the town.
A draft masterplan has now been created by Elland Development Board and Calderdale Council, as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Elland Station Gateway project.
The Elland masterplan aims to develop a vision of regeneration for the town centre, building on the town’s unique characteristics and creating a vibrant heart to the town.
Improvement proposals include changes to the transport network, improving pedestrian access, creating more green space areas and making the most of the town’s many heritage elements. There are also a number of complementary initiatives proposed, including expanded market events, and community growing projects, all designed to increase the amount of time people spend in the town.
To ensure the proposals meet the needs of local communities, a consultation is taking place for people to have their say on initial plans.
The detailed proposals can be viewed online at www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/elland-town-centre-masterplan(external link), where there is also the opportunity to complete the feedback form.
People can also meet the team at Southgate Methodist Church in Elland on Thursday 13 June from 2-6pm,where there will be the opportunity to discuss plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
Plans are also on display at Elland Library and Halifax Central Library and will be in place until Friday 14 June.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“Elland has a lot to offer as a town, and with exciting plans for a new £22 million rail station and accompanying access improvements in development it’s important that we can harness the town’s potential as a place where people want to live, shop, visit and set up business.
“The Elland masterplan is a vision of how the town could be improved, enhancing the town’s existing positives and addressing some of the issues which are holding it back.
“I really hope people get involved and have their say either online or at our consultation event, to ensure we can create a future which meets the needs of local communities.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said:
“As well as providing significant benefits to people travelling to Halifax, Bradford and Leeds and, further afield, in Manchester, the new Elland Station would mean improved facilities for people who cycle and walk.
“Our plans for a new rail station for Elland through investment from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund will be at the heart of the huge benefits this masterplan can deliver for the town and I would urge people to make sure they have their say online or in person.”
Once the consultation is complete, the design team will review all feedback and make any necessary changes to existing proposals, before taking the plans forward.
Retaining the distinctive heritage features in Elland supports the Vision2024 for Calderdale to stand out and be known – distinctiveness is one of the Vision’s key themes.
In the year 2024, Calderdale will celebrate its 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? How will the Calderdale of 2024 be different from the place it is now? What ambitions do we share? Join the conversation by following #VisionCdale2024 on social media and visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/council/vision-2024
The Elland Station Gateway project is funded by the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. Managed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Transport Fund has been part-funded through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of funding to drive growth and job creation across the Leeds City Region.
For more information about this and other exciting developments in Calderdale, visit www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link) and follow #CdaleNextChapter on Twitter.