£12 million for town centre improvements in Batley (Levelling Up Fund 2)
Over £12 million from the Levelling Up Fund was awarded to Kirklees Council to regenerate Batley town centre.
Funding will be used on four separate projects that will make Batley a healthier, safer and more accessible town for people to work, live and visit.
Pedestrianising Commercial Street
Commercial Street is the main high-street within Batley and provides a key route through the town centre. The dominance of cars in the area limits its attractiveness to visitors with little space for people and provides little infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Levelling Up funding will support the pedestrianisation of Commercial Street between Wards Hill and Cross Street.
This will:
- encourage more people to visit the shops, restaurants and cafes along Commercial Street
- reduce the number of cars in the area and make walking and cycling a more appealing option for travel
- lessen noise and air pollution
- improve pedestrian safety
Funding will also be used for new planting and trees to improve local biodiversity and provide more greenspace for local people.
Revitalising Market Place
Market Place is the largest outdoor space in Batley Town Centre. However, the dominance of vehicles within the streetscape and lack of modern facilities limits its appeal. Levelling Up funding will change how vehicles move around the square and remove parking places. This means that Kirklees Council can introduce new planting, seating and space for shops, along with hosting a variety of outdoor events.
Creating better links to Batley town centre
The “Tesco Access Link” will be created between Commercial Street and Bradford Road. This will link the Tesco store and car park to the heart of the town centre, so customers can move more easily between the 24-hour store and the main high street. New paving, public art, ramping and planting will be created to make the route both attractive and accessible.
Restoring the JBM Building
Funding will also be used to restore the JBM building on Commercial Street. The disused retail unit currently needs regeneration to bring it back into regular use, and as the largest unit on Commercial Street, it has significant potential. Upgrades to the building are a key part of the wider Batley Masterplan.
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Batley and Spen, said:
This project, involving a major redesign and part-pedestrianisation of Commercial Street and the area around Market Place, will bring real benefits to local businesses, shoppers and residents.
Find out more about Levelling Up