A splash of colour is to be added to high streets around Kirklees as part of a project to ‘green up’ local centres and make them more attractive to shoppers.

Almondbury, Moldgreen and Marsh are the three district centres in Huddersfield chosen to benefit under a Kirklees Council project which has secured almost £780,000 in funding.

A total of £779,430 has come from the Welcome Back Fund, part of the European Regional Development Funding 2014-2020 Programme.

The money is aimed at encouraging people back to their local high streets after the pandemic.

‘Greening up the High Streets’ is aimed at district centres where there are more than 15 businesses within 150m of the planters.

Six suitable centres have been selected for the project and the others are Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Batley.

The council has worked with landscape architects to pull together a list of plants that will be suitable for the planters.

These include herbaceous perennials, grasses, ferns and shrubs which will provide colour and interest all year round including attractive seed heads during the autumn months and early winter.

Moldgreen

Locations were deemed suitable by meeting a list of eligible criteria which included areas where the planters will be highly visible and have the highest impact and do not obstruct or obscure crossings, junctions and roundabouts.

The planters will not block access for vehicles, pedestrians or wheelchair users and will be located away from dropped kerbs and parking bays.

The project is due to be completed by March 31 and will include cleansing, removal of graffiti and painting to ensure the setting for the planters is appropriate and maintenance can be upheld throughout the project.

Kirklees Council has been working with businesses and community groups in each area to plan for the maintenance and upkeep of the planters.

Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “We want to make our high streets greener, healthier and more sustainable. The planters will be a welcome addition and will help instil pride and belonging.

“Our high streets need to become more vibrant and adaptable, with local communities empowered to take the lead and ensure they can succeed.

“Green community spaces have a number of positive impacts. As well as environmental benefits, it’s a great chance to meet new people from your local area and pick up some new skills whilst playing an important role within your community.

Northgate in Almondbury

Clr Eric Firth, Cabinet member for town centres, said: “This is a great way to make new connections in the local community. The planters will guarantee an explosion of colour on the high streets of Kirklees. Healthy streets help get people outdoors and make the walking experience more enjoyable.

“As we level up and build back better, our high streets must be at the forefront of our recovery. We are constantly working to deliver an ambitious, imaginative vision of our high streets so they can adapt – as they have always done – but also boost pride and prosperity as the heartbeat of local communities throughout Kirklees.”

The council is encouraging local people to get involved and are invited to attend the installation of the planters as follows:

  • Marsh – Tuesday March 22 5pm – meet at Emily’s Café;
  • Almondbury – Thursday March 24 9.30am – meet near the steps outside Ambrys Café;
  • Moldgreen – Thursday March 24 1.30pm – meet at the Royal City Restaurant;
  • Cleckheaton – Friday March 25 10am – meet at the Memorial Park;
  • Heckmondwike – Tuesday March 29 10am – meet at the Memorial Statue;
  • Batley – Wednesday March 30 10am – meet at the Town Hall.