£16M to Improve roads around Huddersfield Station

A £16m scheme is set to dramatically improve connections between Huddersfield Railway Station and the town centre.

The developments will see key streets transformed thanks to a partnership between Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

£3M of the project’s funding comes from Kirklees Council, with the rest from the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund. Kirklees secured a total of more than £75million from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver transport improvements across the district.

The improvements surrounding Huddersfield’s Railway Station are intended to help the Council realise the vision of the Huddersfield Blueprint, and address the climate emergency by improving access to sustainable travel. The scheme is also designed to prepare the town centre for Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade, to improve railways across West Yorkshire and Manchester, which has a total of £9bn of government funding behind it.

Plans for the Trinity Street underpass, Brunswick Street footpath and improvements to Huddersfield Railway Station’s entrance hall have already progressed beyond the public consultation stage but public consultation is open until 23 December for the following areas of improvement:

• Area 1a: Northumberland Street: According to the proposals, Northumberland Street would become a “tree-lined boulevard” with sustainable drainage and a newly imposed 20mph speed limit. Pavements would be widened and there would be improved crossing facilities for those walking or cycling as well as a more attractive entrance to the market. The bus stop would be made more accessible and a new loading bay and disabled parking would be introduced.
• Area 1b: John William Street: Similarly to Northumberland Street, John William Street would become tree-lined with sustainable drainage with improved crossings for walkers and cyclists. A new 20mph speed limit would feature between Northumberland Street and Brook Street and a quiet cycle route would also be added. A segregated cycle track would run between Brook Street and Fitzwillliam Street and bus stops and taxi ranks would be retained and new disabled parking and loading bays added.
• Area 2: St John’s Road and Oxford Street: This would see improved crossing at the ring road for those walking or cycling with widened crossings, a two-way segregated cycle track between Fitzwilliam Street and Beck Road and the bus stop moved away from the St John’s Road and Beck Road junction.
• Area 3a: Trinity Street – on-street improvements: A two-way segregated cycle track between New North Parade and Greenhead Road would feature here, along with improved and new crossings for cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Eric Firth Portfolio Holder for Transport said: “It is our ambition to prepare Huddersfield Rail Station for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, but also a significant step forward in the project to transform Huddersfield’s historic railway station.”

“These improvements could increase connectivity for the town centre community, providing faster, more efficient sustainable transport links from the station to the rest of the town centre.

“The station gateway improvement will not only provide a much-needed modernisation of the station and surrounding area, creating a fitting gateway to our beautiful town, but it is also an integral part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint ambition.

“The scheme will better welcome visitors making improvements to key ring road junctions and streets near St George’s Square, making onward travel much easier, and create a more pleasant environment for everyone using the station.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “We want to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport across Huddersfield.

“This is vital to connect more people with jobs and tackle the climate emergency.

“This is part of a £75 million-plus investment in transport improvements across Kirklees and is a great example of how together we are making it an even better place to work and live.”

To find out more information and to have your say visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/hudds-access2.