Progress is underway on initiatives to enhance roads and public spaces in and around the centre of Halifax, with input from residents and businesses shaping the evolving designs.
The A629 Phase 2 Halifax town centre project aims to establish new, inviting spaces while enhancing accessibility and traffic flow within the town. The objective is to bolster safety for pedestrians and cyclists, improve public transport links, and support inclusive growth.
Between February and March 2023, residents and businesses in Halifax were invited to review proposals outlining changes to the usage of roads in the town centre. This encompassed modifications to bus stops and taxi ranks, the introduction of new cycle and pedestrian zones, adjustments to parking, and plans for traffic rerouting.
Comments received have undergone analysis, revealing key themes such as feedback on bus routes, parking, accessibility, traffic, and landscaping.
All comments have been duly acknowledged, and direct responses were provided where necessary, particularly when individuals posed specific questions or sought additional details that the Council could furnish.
The feedback is now being incorporated into the project plans, including the exploration of alternative layouts where deemed appropriate. A document detailing how the feedback has influenced the plans can be accessed at https://calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a629-halifax-town-centre/tro-2023-results. As the project advances, additional opportunities for public input will be available.
Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet member with responsibility for Halifax master planning and regeneration, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“This is an exciting time for Halifax, with widespread regeneration plans for town centre buildings, facilities and transport links, many of which are already completed or well underway.
“The A629 Phase 2 Halifax town centre project looks at how we travel around the town, with plans for improved connectivity and welcoming spaces.
“Earlier this year, we heard people’s thoughts about some of the transport plans as part of the project and I’d like to thank all those who took the time to look at and understand the proposals and shared their feedback.
“It’s so important that we hear from local people, as this allows us to address any concerns and develop plans with detail from those who know the area best.”
Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said:
“I am delighted we have been able to help fund this scheme.
“The proposed works, close to the new Halifax Bus Station, will help us to deliver our West Yorkshire aims of becoming a better-connected region and a net-zero carbon economy by 2038.
“It is important that we bring the public with us on big projects like these, so I am pleased that feedback from residents and businesses has been used to inform these designs.”
For additional details about the A629 Phase 2 scheme, please visit http://www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a629-halifax-town-centre.
Funding for the A629 Phase 2 scheme has been secured through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal, a £1 billion Government investment package delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to drive growth and job creation across Leeds City Region.
