People are invited to have their say on proposed changes in ways to travel around Halifax town centre, as part of a consultation on a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Calderdale Council is working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to improve roads and public spaces in the centre of Halifax.
Plans have been in development since 2017, as part of phase 2 of the A629 Improvement Programme, which focuses on transforming Halifax town centre. The scheme aims to create new welcoming spaces, improve accessibility, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, improve circulation around the town and public transport connectivity and support aspirations for inclusive growth.
Work is now moving forward, with a contractor for the scheme due to be appointed soon. The Council is also starting the legal process to introduce these changes, with the advertising of a TRO within the town centre. The order includes changes to bus stops and taxi ranks, new cycle and pedestrian zones, changes to parking and the rerouting of traffic.
Residents and businesses, as well as those who visit Halifax, are asked to share their feedback on the plans. This will then be used to develop the designs, before the final proposals are presented for further consultation.
People can view the proposals in more detail and comment at https://calderdale.traffweb.app/traffweb/2/PublicConsultation(external link), people can also email comments to A629phase2tro@calderdale.gov.uk. The consultation runs until Sunday 5 March 2023.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“We’re interested to hear people’s thoughts about the early proposals for phase 2 of the A629 improvement programme. The plans for Halifax are on a grand scale and will see routes and public spaces transformed right across the town centre.
“The scheme is part of work across the borough to support strong, thriving towns and places where residents and visitors want to spend time and businesses want to invest.
“To help deliver these ambitious plans, we want to continue to engage with local people and communities. We’re keen to hear people’s thoughts about the advertised TRO, which sets out a number of planned changes to the way people travel in and around the town. The feedback received as part of this informal consultation will help us develop the plans further, so please take a look at the plans.”
Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, Councillor Peter Carlill, said:
“It is fantastic that work is now moving forward to develop Halifax Town Centre as part of our investment into Calderdale.
“These works will bring long-term benefits to the people of Halifax and those that visit – making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.
“This will improve connectivity and help the town thrive.”
For more information about the A629 phase 2 scheme, visit http://www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a629-halifax-town-centre(external link)
The A629 phase 2 scheme has received funding through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
Supporting strong and resilient, thriving towns is a priority for the Council and contributes to the Vision 2024 for the borough. In the year 2024, Calderdale will celebrate its 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? Join the conversation by following #VisionCdale2024 on social media and visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision