Have your say on plans for £1.5m walking and cycling boost for Huddersfield town centre

4 November 2019

The purpose of the scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with Kirklees Council, is to make it easier for people to travel on foot between the bus and train station, as well as improving cycle routes within the town centre.

Wider pavements with improved surfacing, better signage and street lighting, and new walking and cycling crossing on the junction of Westgate, Henry Street and St George’s Street are among the proposals. 

Plans also include new sections of cycle route along Railway Street and Market Street, and on St George’s Street. 

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council on this important scheme, which will make it safer and easier for both residents and visitors to travel on foot between Huddersfield’s bus and train stations, as well as improving cycle routes within the town centre.

“We know encouraging more of us to travel on foot and by bike not only boosts people’s health and saves individuals money, it also brings wider environmental and economic benefits for us all, which is why we want to make walking and cycling a natural choice for short, everyday journeys.”

Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “This exciting transport scheme will improve access within the town centre, and better connect two key areas identified for future development in our Blueprint for Huddersfield: The Station Gateway and The Civic Quarter.

“It is an important early piece of the vision to make the town a vibrant, thriving cultural and business destination and great place to live.

“This investment will help make sure the town is a safe place to walk or cycle, whether you are in town on a daily basis, or just passing through.  If you use either station please do take time to share your thoughts on the plans.”

Earlier this year, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees Council were awarded funding for this scheme from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Public drop-in sessions will be held for the scheme as follows:

• Wednesday 6 November, 8am-7pm, Huddersfield Bus Station;
• Thursday 7 November, 8am-10am and 4pm-7pm, Huddersfield Train Station;
• Monday 11 November, 8am-7pm, Huddersfield Bus Station.

The plans are available to view online on the Combined Authority’s Your Voice website from today (Monday 4 November) and people are invited to comment before the consultation ends on Friday 29 November.