Cost of Holmfirth's regeneration soar by £6m as work starts this week

Holmfirth’s transformation has got underway this week - but £6m more than first expected.

Back in 2021, Kirklees Council announced that it was investing £3.9m in Holmfirth’s Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP), in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). When March 2023 rolled around, the scheme was costing £7.47m, and now, that has shot up to £10.3m.

Work on the TCAP began on Monday (July 1) and will see the town’s market hall torn down and the Huddersfield Road Car Park extended. This will allow for the number of car parking spaces to be increased, and a new community space for markets and events to be created.

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The car park will be closed for the duration of the project. Alternative parking can be found at Bridge Lane Car Park, Crown Bottom Car Park, Council Office Car Park and Town Gate Car Parks (bus station).

Aside from these works, a wider footbridge and footpaths will be introduced, along with better crossings. On top of this, electric vehicle points will be added, pavements resurfaced and better street lighting, traffic signals and signage brought to the town.

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The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked the council why the project’s costs have soared and how it is being funded. However, the local authority failed to comment by the time of publication.

Speaking last month, David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “Holmfirth is a beautiful town, and a fantastic place to live, visit and spend time. The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan will give longevity to the area, modernising Holmfirth’s unique offering, whilst embracing and celebrating the town’s world-famous heritage.

“Once complete, the town centre will be much more accessible and enjoyable for all while we continue to help local businesses thrive and boost the local economy, whilst improving congestion, journey times and encourage active travel.

“This scheme is a collaborative effort by the community, council and the Combined Authority to create a brighter future for Holmfirth.”

The TCAP makes up part of Kirklees Council’s wider plans for Holmfirth, with £1.5m set aside for the town’s Blueprint project.