Ambitious plans to make it more pleasant to walk, wheel and cycle around Todmorden have now been revealed.
The £2.56million Active Todmorden project 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 engaged with the community on the updated proposals for Active Todmorden in November 2024. Feedback from that engagement has informed the final plans for the project, which have been further developed over the last six months.
The improvements will be seen from Rochdale Canal at the south of the town, to Centre Vale Park, and will include:
- Improvements to the towpath along the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden town centre and Walsden, supporting easier access to the town centre.
- Resurfacing ‘tipside’ between Hallroyd Crescent and the town centre, part of National Cycle Network Route 66, to create a safe and accessible route for walking and cycling.
- New cycle parking in the town centre.
- Improvements in and around Centre Vale Park, including better lighting and upgrades to existing crossings.
- Improvements around Todmorden CE J, I and N School, with wider pavements supporting access to Centre Vale Park, a new puffin crossing, and bollards to improve safety.
- More attractive and pleasant public spaces in the town centre, including a new public space close to Mr Beans cafe.
- New signage with clearer information for residents and visitors.
This project will enable people to walk or cycle as part of their everyday journeys and support more people to access and enjoy Todmorden and its natural landscapes.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“Work on the multi-million-pound Todmorden Town Deal continues to progress well, transforming the town and helping it continue to thrive now and for future generations.
“We want people to have even more ways to travel actively for their health and wellbeing and the environment. I’m delighted that we’re able to reveal the final plans for the Active Todmorden project, supporting improved access around the town.
“Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback throughout the development process. We believe that we now have a project which will really benefit the town, making it easier and safer for people to get around and expanding opportunities to explore the town’s distinctive natural landscape.”
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said:
“Developing a town that is more pleasant, safe and easy to move around is a key priority for the Town Deal. The final plans now revealed for the Active Todmorden project will achieve a fantastic mix of improvements that help connect our places and spaces in a more coherent and inviting way, supporting people and visitors to enjoy using our independent shops and markets and complementing the wider investment into a better Centre Vale Park for all. As a Board, we are delighted that the plans have been shaped to bring welcome and lasting benefit across Todmorden.”
Seven 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; and the creation of a new Enterprise Centre at Ferney Lee.
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 calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link)