A blueprint for the regeneration of Marsden has set the standard for other council-led regeneration schemes, a meeting was told.

Collaboration and community involvement has been at the heart of the Marsden Blueprint.

Kirklees Council, Marsden Community Partnership, local businesses, landowners and others teamed up to shape plans and pursue opportunities for public and private investment.

The council’s Cabinet has given its approval to a masterplan which will see Marsden transformed over the next five to 10 years.

The Marsden Blueprint aims to strengthen communities, improve public spaces, protect heritage, boost the local economy, provide affordable housing and promote sustainability.

The council’s regeneration efforts will complement the proposed mixed use re-development of the derelict and decaying New Mills complex in the centre of Marsden.

Key areas for improvement identified in the masterplan include Peel Street, the Goods Yard, Lakeside and arrival points at Marsden Railway Station, which is set for a major rebuild as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade.

Initial funding of up to £140,000 is proposed to develop designs for Peel Street, funded by the Government.

Cabinet unanimously gave its approval and council leader Clr Carole Pattison was impressed with the level of community engagement and direct involvement in the masterplan.

“This blueprint sets a standard that all others should try to adhere to and my thanks go to the residents of Marsden and council officers,” she said. “Let’s crack on with it!”

The Cabinet meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall also heard from Tom Lonsdale, chair of the Blueprint Community Partnership, who led the public involvement.

“Marsden is a jewel in the Kirklees crown but it has become broken and slightly scruffy so not performing anywhere near its best,” he said.

“This blueprint contains the repair tools and polish for it to shine again like it did in the 1800s.”

Clr Bev Addy (Lab, Colne Valley) said the blueprint was about more than just consultation with the community, it was a “co-production.”

Fellow ward councillor Harry McCarthy praised the community’s role too and said: “It was really innovative and forward thinking.

“The community’s voice has been at the heart of what we are trying to do which sets it apart from other regeneration projects.”

Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “This is a really exciting project which will breathe huge new life into Marsden and boost economic development over the next five or 10 years.”

Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal welcomes Government pledge on TransPennine Route Upgrade