Local people are invited to an event to help shape plans for two major projects in the transformation of Todmorden.
The information event at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub on Saturday 2 March 2024, 10am – 4pm, will be a chance for people to meet the scheme designers and have their say on the ‘Active Todmorden’ and ‘Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden’ projects.
Both projects are part of the Todmorden Town Deal(external link), a £17.5 million regeneration programme funded by the UK Government to develop the local economy and transform this distinctive market town, led by Todmorden Town Deal Board.
Representatives from Calderdale Council will be at the event to answer questions and run interactive activities to gather people’s thoughts and ideas.
The £3.2 million ‘Active Todmorden’ project aims to improve walking and cycling routes to make it easier, healthier and more sustainable to get around the town and enjoy Todmorden’s natural landscape – supporting thriving towns and places and local climate action.
Works are due to start in spring 2025 and be complete by spring 2026, and will include new walking and cycling routes, new cycle parking spaces, better links for pedestrians between Todmorden Rail Station and the town centre, more attractive and pleasant public spaces, and improved signage with clearer information for residents and visitors.
The £3.5 million ‘Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden’ project will transform Bramsche Square into a welcoming, attractive and flexible public space in the town centre. It will help boost local trade and provide a space to host events, festivals and specialist markets – building on Todmorden’s rich culture and heritage.
New plants will make the area greener and more inviting. Safer walking and cycling routes will support the Active Todmorden project and improve air quality by reducing car journeys and traffic congestion. Improvements to the outdoor market’s facilities will benefit current and future traders. Construction is expected to start in spring 2025 and finish in spring 2026.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, said:
“We’re excited to share more about the transformational plans for Todmorden, and to hear what local people think. The information event is just one of the ways we’ll be consulting throughout the development of the designs.
“Todmorden has many wonderful businesses and places to spend time, including cultural, heritage and natural features. The Town Deal investment, in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal Board and the local community, will help more people to visit and enjoy these attractions. This brings benefits for health and wellbeing, local economic growth and our priorities for thriving towns and places, reduced inequalities and climate action.”
Members of Todmorden Town Deal Board will be available at the event to discuss the wider Town Deal programme and the impact it aims to achieve for the town.
Pam Warhurst, Chair of Todmorden Town Deal Board, said:
“I’m delighted that local people will have the opportunity to meet the designers working with our delivery partner, Calderdale Council to develop exciting new plans for making our town more accessible, attractive and supportive of local businesses and our renowned market. Crucially, the event is an opportunity for all to contribute their ideas and feedback on how we can shape a truly green heart of Todmorden at the centre of our unique market town.”
For more information about the Todmorden Town Deal, visit www.todmordentowndeal.co.uk(external link) and www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link), which also includes details of other major projects across Calderdale.
The Town Deal programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. As of July 2021, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has offered Town Deals to 101 places that submitted proposals, committing over £2.35bn of investment across around 700 projects nationwide.