The centre of Mytholmroyd will be rejuvenated as part of a wider scheme of improvement works developed with the community, beginning early next month.
The project was initially inspired by a study published by the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance, which identified the location of the public conveniences in the village centre as a key issue.
This concern was echoed during consultation on the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme and discussions with local groups, who felt that the space could be better used and had the potential to be transformed into an attractive public realm.
Planning approval has now been granted to remove the toilets and landscape the area with local stone paving, benches, plants and a glass panel in the wall to open up the space and create a viewing terrace providing picturesque views of the river, St Michael’s Church and the moor beyond.
Calderdale Council is investigating options for the provision of an alternative toilet block elsewhere in the village and will be reported through members and the town board before being presented to the Council’s Cabinet for consideration.
The Council is working closely with the Environment Agency and main contractor on the Flood Alleviation Scheme VBA, a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, to deliver a coordinated approach to the flood work and wider environmental improvement work in Mytholmroyd.
Helen Batt, catchment director for the Environment Agency, said:
“The programme of construction activities is well underway in the village and we are working hard to ensure that the flood defence scheme is delivered on time to provide a substantial improvement in protection from flooding for the community of Mytholmroyd .
“We have recently received planning permission for work in the central area of the village, near the public toilets and we have started preparatory works around St Michael’s Church. Elsewhere we are also working with service providers on the utility diversions needed to start constructing a new bridge at Caldene Avenue, surface water management improvement works are underway on Burnley Road, and work to strengthen defences along Cragg Brook continues.”
The toilets will be removed on the week beginning Monday 2 July with the landscaping to be completed later on in the Flood Alleviation Scheme. This will improve access for construction of the flood defence walls in the area, speeding up progress and reducing costs.
Steps are being taken to deliver a joined-up approach with other works in the area such as maintenance and repairs to the utility network, proposals put forward under the new Neighbourhood Plan and the wider corridor improvement scheme along the A646, which is being funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve provision for pedestrians, motorists and public transport users.
As part of the latter scheme, work is being carried out to make bus travel more comfortable and attractive to users and this will involve redesigning and replacing the village centre’s bus stop following engagement with the community this summer.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Barry Collins said:
“These plans for the village centre have been developed with the community at their heart and we have every confidence that they will make Mytholmroyd a more attractive and enjoyable place to live and visit, drawing in tourists and helping to grow the local economy.
“These aspirations reflect a resilient community that has managed to pull together and bounce back from the events of winter 2015, turning their village into an even more special place than it was before the floods hit.”
A leaflet produced by the Environment Agency for the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme contains artists’ impressions of the finished space and can be found here: http://eyeoncalderdale.com/Media/Default/Mytholmroyd/Flooding_Leaflet_2018.pdf(external link)
If anyone has any questions about the plans they can contact business@calderdale.gov.uk.