Millions of pounds are being invested into Batley’s infrastructure - we take a look into exactly where the cash will be spent.
Located in Kirklees’ north-eastern corner, close to the border with Leeds, Batley has a long industrial history and forms part of the “heavy woollen district”, with large-scale wool production dating back to the early 19th century. The town’s landmarks include the town hall and library, both over 100 years old, Wilton Park, and Fox’s biscuit factory.
In recent years, the community has suffered the loss of its much-loved Batley Baths and Recreation Centre. The site closed its doors in 2022 when operator Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) battled mounting financial pressures. What was initially said to be a temporary closure became permanent, with the site being auctioned off for £318k in January.
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But the town is in line for a £14.5 million funding boost through £12m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. The remaining £2.5m is coming from Kirklees Council’s Local Centres funding and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The cash will focus on transforming Western, Middle and Eastern Commercial Street, Brunswick Street and Market Place. The final designs for the town centre regeneration aim to enhance accessibility, calm traffic and improve safety, and create new public spaces and received final council approval last September. Construction is expected to get underway this Autumn.
Below is a summary of the projects set to shape the town centre:
Commercial Link
A landscaped route will be created to provide better connections between Bradford Road and Commercial Street, including Tesco, Batley Plaza and local businesses. It will feature ramps, steps, and greenery. The council also plans to create a new wall to celebrate Batley's identity, the town's heritage and local community.
Market Place
Described by the council as Batley’s “historical heart”, Market Place will be partially levelled, with new steps and utilities installed to make the area a suitable space for events and markets. The local authority says its aim is to respect the area’s heritage while modernising the area.
Historic paving will be restored and improvements made to the walking links between Market Place and the Memorial Gardens in a bid to improve safety and visibility.
To make the area safer for drivers and pedestrians, Cambridge Street and Market Place will be narrowed to a one-way, single lane route running north. A road table will be introduced to support traffic calming and pedestrian safety.
The length of parking bays will be reduced to free up more pavement space for businesses and those on foot. New seating, planting, cycle hubs and street furniture will also be installed.
Commercial Street
The western side of Commercial Street will see expanded public space with planting, street furniture, and measures to discourage pavement parking. Traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossings will also be improved.
The Middle of Commercial Street will be prioritised for pedestrians and remain a one-way, with the road moved north and its pavements widened. Trees will be planted and bollards, guardrails, planters, raised kerbs, and street furniture added in a bid to create a safe, friendly environment.
Ward's Hill will be prioritised for cyclists and new cycle facilities brought to the eastern side of Commercial Street to support improved East-West cycle routes. New on-street parking will be introduced and an enhanced pedestrian link between Wards Hill car park and Commercial Street will be created to make it easier for people to move around.
The eastern side of Commercial Street will become pedestrianised with loading for local businesses only, with improved crossing points, and two-way access to The Taproom from Wellington Street.
There will be new street furniture and planting, with the introduction of slider bollards, the narrowing of the road entrance and the introduction of a raised table along most of the street.
Brunswick Street
The council says its plans for Brunswick Street have been designed to echo The Commercial Link with soft landscaping, shallow steps to boost accessibility. The local authority also plans to reveal the street's historic façades, and remove the bridge to open up views of some of the town’s architecture.
New seating will be installed, along with better lighting to increase pedestrian safety. Better drainage will also be a feature to allow rainfall to be managed better.
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