Plans to upgrade and revitalise public spaces in Todmorden town centre have moved a step forward, with Calderdale Council appointing the designers for a project to rejuvenate Bramsche Square and the surrounding areas.
The Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden project is part of the Todmorden Town Deal, a £17.5m regeneration programme funded by the UK Government, and led by Todmorden Town Deal Board, to develop the local economy and transform this market town.
Around £3.5million will be used to create a vibrant and green town square in the centre of Todmorden, that supports a thriving local economy and cultural sector. It aims to encourage more visitors to the town and promote walking and cycling.
Urban and rural place design practice, Planit(external link), a specialist in town centre regeneration work, has been appointed to develop designs for the project. These will include plans for the new flexible town square, which will be able to support a range of events.
Work is also taking place to ensure that access to and visibility of the current Market Hall is improved. The facilities and services available at the outdoor market are also being upgraded, to include power supply, water and improved drainage.
The plans aim to improve the popularity of the existing markets, hospitality and retail offer, and improve the experience for pedestrians, shaping a more attractive and accessible town centre.
There will be the opportunity for local people to meet the designers and help to shape the plans for Todmorden as part of an information event at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub on Saturday 2 March from 10am-4pm. Consultation will continue throughout the development of the design.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“Bramsche Square in Todmorden is in the heart of the town and surrounded by three fine heritage buildings, Todmorden Market, Central Methodist Church and the Grade 1 listed Todmorden Town Hall and we want to make the most of the distinctive character of the area.
“This project, as part of the town deal, aims to improve and upgrade Bramsche Square to create an attractive, welcoming and accessible space, which can be used to support the town’s extensive events programme or just as a place to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
“We’re also transforming the outdoor market, with improved facilities increasing the range of potential traders and supporting improvements to the indoor market.
“I’m pleased that the project is moving forward with the appointment of the designers who will transform our vision into a reality.”
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said:
“Investing in a more attractive and flexible town centre for Todmorden residents, businesses and visitors is a priority for us on the local strategic Board. Our ambition is to lay strong foundations for a prosperous and robust local economy in Todmorden, and the redevelopment of Bramsche Square is key to achieving this.
“Equally vital is a greater focus on green spaces in our town centre, and I am delighted that the designers appointed by our partner, Calderdale Council, plan to adopt a co-design approach, working with the local community to ensure a sustainable, greener and healthier space for people and nature not on the margins but right in the heart of our town”
Kevin Redhead, Director at Planit, said:
“Planit is delighted to be working closely with Calderdale Council to transform the heart of Todmorden. We take great pride in our town centre regeneration designs seeing first-hand the difference they make to local communities and future growth.
“The transformational vision for Todmorden will deliver a much greener and less congested town centre; an imaginative market square and accessible public realm. Meaningful engagement with the people who live and work in the town, including two of our own team that live locally, will ensure Planit delivers a successful plan the town will be proud of.”
For more information about the Todmorden Town Deal, visit www.todmordentowndeal.co.uk(external link), and www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link) for Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden, and 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.
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