A new co-produced strategy, setting out a shared commitment to the north Halifax area over the next 10 years, is being considered by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet.
The communities of north Halifax are on the outskirts of the town, including the villages of Ovenden, Illingworth and Mixenden. These communities benefit from many special qualities, including distinct neighbourhoods and a strong community spirit, but the area also experiences several challenges, with some of the most deprived wards in the borough.
In January 2022, Calderdale Council committed to taking a joined up and focused approach to north Halifax, to transform the area and support residents with the challenges they may face.
Over the last two years, a large amount of work has been taking place within these local communities, helping to build relationships and to understand what is important to people living and working in north Halifax.
This has included extensive community engagement led in partnership with community organisations and the joining up of activities and investment in the area, including through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Active Calderdale.
Workshops, focus groups and interviews further developed local priorities and enabled an understanding of the aspirations and challenges of residents of all ages.
This unique approach has supported the development of the North Halifax Strategy, which sets out the long-term commitment to the area, identifying shared priorities and actions over the next ten years.
At the heart of the strategy is the ambition for everyone in north Halifax to be able to thrive in vibrant communities, where businesses can grow, residents live fulfilled lives and feel supported, and the environment is protected. To achieve this vision, activity will be focused around six goals. These set out ambitions for north Halifax as:
- A more accessible place for everyone.
- A safe place to live, work and visit that people are proud of.
- A place with services and activities that are targeted and inclusive.
- A place to thrive and succeed.
- A place where people care for each other.
- An area with places and spaces designed to work for local people.
The goals have been set by local people and will be achieved by working together with partners and the local community, with residents and local businesses playing a key role in decision making.
The strategy aims to build upon regeneration activity already underway or planned in the area. This includes the upcoming completion of the Mixenden Hub, which will provide community facilities, including healthcare provision and library services from one site.
A number of success stories are also included in the strategy, showing the work that has been taking place in partnership with the community and local organisations. This includes transformative work at Beechwood and Sunny Bank parks, creating community and recreational spaces that residents can take pride in.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“We’re committed to supporting a thriving future for north Halifax and have been working together with local people to develop an ambitious shared vision for the area.
“Through workshops and joined up engagement, local insight has shaped the goals and ambitions as part of the strategy. It celebrates the pride and community spirit that exists in north Halifax while acknowledging some of the challenges experienced by people living and working in the area.
“This is an exciting time for north Halifax, with some long-standing regeneration projects nearing competition. This is a significant milestone, but we’re not done yet. We will continue to work with the communities of north Halifax, as we deliver the ambitions of the strategy and achieve our shared aspirations for the area.”
This North Halifax Strategy supports the Council priorities to reduce inequalities, support thriving towns and places and take climate action. Its commitment to a long- term strategic relationship with the community fits with the Vision 2024 for Calderdale as a place where you can realise your potential whoever you are, whether your voice has been heard or unheard in the past.
Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024 and this is the ultimate year for the Vision – find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision(external link) As 2024 closes, the transition to the new Vision 2034 for Calderdale will begin, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all.
The North Halifax Strategy 2024-2034 will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 9 December at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm. The meeting will also be live streamed at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link)