A £3.2 million project to make it easier and more pleasant to walk, wheel and cycle around Todmorden is set to move forward.
Calderdale Council has listened to feedback from local people on what they want the ‘Active Todmorden’ project to look like.
Active Todmorden aims to create healthier communities by enabling everyone to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys and improving access to the town’s attractions, whilst maintaining a welcoming and attractive area.
This is just one part of the £17.5 million Todmorden Town Deal regeneration programme, which is funded by the UK Government and is being delivered in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal Board.
The Council proposed options for how the Active Todmorden project could work, and consulted on these in spring 2024.
Taking on board the local community’s concerns about some of the plans, the Council refined the proposals and added a further option focusing more on improving walking and wheeling in the town. The Council engaged with the community on the updated proposals in November 2024.
Feedback from that engagement has informed the approval of the walking and wheeling improvements as the preferred option, and it will now move to the next stage of design.
This option still includes improvements for cycling. However, based on local feedback and to ensure the proposals can be delivered on time, the Council has removed the dedicated cycle lane element on Burnley Road. This is no longer being considered and there will be no removal of parking through Patmos Gardens at this time.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“Todmorden is set to transform thanks to the multi-million-pound Town Deal, which supports our priority for thriving towns and places.
“Through the Active Todmorden project, we want people to have even more ways to travel actively for their health and wellbeing and the environment, and to have better access to the town’s distinctive natural landscape.
“We have listened to what local people want and have decided to go ahead with the walking and wheeling focused option, making it safer and easier for people to get around town. Thank you to everyone who shared their views.”
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board said:
“It’s great news that the option for investment in more walking and wheeling around the town as well as some cycling provision from the canal into the town and in the park itself has now been confirmed by our project partner, Calderdale Council, as the preferred way forward for the Active Todmorden Project.
“It’s a priority for the Board that the plans develop a more connected Todmorden that help residents and visitors to move around more easily and comes with better signage to the station and other areas of Todmorden.
“We look forward to the preferred plan moving forward to the next stage and appreciate the contribution of many residents and businesses who have shared their feedback within the process to date.”
The walking and wheeling improvements will be seen from Rochdale Canal to Centre Vale Park, and will include:
The detailed designs for these plans will be progressed in early 2025, with construction due to complete in spring 2026.
Eight projects make up the Todmorden Town Deal and in addition to work on active travel and public spaces, work also includes the redevelopment of the Town Hall and Hippodrome Theatre; improvements at Centre Vale Park and Todmorden Community College; the creation of a new Enterprise Centre at Ferney Lee; and the development of new sports opportunities for all abilities at the Riverside Centre.
For more information about the Todmorden Town Deal, visit www.todmordentowndeal.co.uk(external link)
The investment in Todmorden is part of the Next Chapter for Calderdale to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. For more information about this and other major developments in Calderdale, visit www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link)
This supports the Council’s priority for thriving towns and places and demonstrates the key qualities of the Vision 2024 for the borough. Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024 and this is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision(external link)
As 2024 closes, the transition to the new Vision 34 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.
ENDS