Kirklees Council has launched public consultation on more changes for Holmfirth town centre, dubbed the Holmfirth Blueprint.

The council is investing £1.5 million in four of its smaller town centres and more works are planned on top of the recently-approved £3.9 million Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, aimed at easing congestion.

The consultation asks whether, apart from accessible spaces, whether car parking is needed at all in the town centre and whether “some parking could be re-provided outside the town centre.”

The old Market Hall is already earmarked for demolition with a car park and events space planned in its place and the latest consultation suggests that area could be extended to provide more open space for pedestrians.

There could also be traffic calming, speed reduction and better crossing facilities between Sands Recreational Ground and the town centre.

The council is also looking at the possible re-location of Holmfirth Fire Station and a re-development of the existing site; whether the Royal Mail sorting office could be moved outside the town centre and the site used for something else; a better use of the Telephone Exchange site; how the bus station and Towngate parking area could be re-designed to open up the riverside; and how wooden platforms could make a feature of the River Holme.

READ MORE: How councillors celebrated ‘getting Holmfirth done.’

The consultation document says: “Holmfirth has a great selection of independent businesses and there is opportunity to provide more space for them to thrive.

“This could be achieved by providing public spaces for businesses to use and by re-developing some sites in the town centre.

“We understand the importance of facilities such as the Fire Station and Post Office for the town. We propose to make more efficient use of some of these spaces, while retaining these essential services in the town.”

The Royal Mail sorting office in Holmfirth

Kirklees Council says the plans concentrate on five objectives: bringing the streets to life; helping Holmfirth to thrive; making Holmfirth accessible to all; putting the River Holme back at the heart of the town; and celebrating the identity of Holmfirth.

The plans are said to be based on feedback from the local community and local businesses and the council is urging the public to have their say.

Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “These plans are a big step forward for the future of Holmfirth town centre, and we’ve got to this point by listening to the views of those who live in, work in and visit Holmfirth.

“It’s vital that the people of the town are part of the process and share our ambition for improvements. I’d encourage anyone who lives or works in Holmfirth to have their say on these plans.

“This work is about future-proofing the towns and villages we love, and we’ll be investing £1.5 million in Holmfirth and other Kirklees centres over the coming years.

“We’re currently laying out a masterplan – a Blueprint – for the next 10 years of progression, just as we’ve already done for our larger centres here in Kirklees.

“All across the district we want vibrant and varied town centres that will bring communities together, attract visitors and be places where local businesses can thrive.”

The consultation is open from November 17 to December 17. Members of the public can have their say online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/holmfirth-blueprint.   

There will also be several in-person consultation sessions at Holmfirth Market:

  • Tuesday November 22, 6pm-8pm;
  • Friday November 25, 10am-12noon;
  • Wednesday November 30, 2pm-4pm;
  • Tuesday December 6, 12noon-2pm.

More information and hard copies of the survey will also be available in Holmfirth Library for the duration of the consultation.

Holmfirth Market Hall to be demolished and replaced with a car park and events space and here’s how it might look