Batley Blueprint
We are undertaking major improvements in Batley town centre to create a more modern destination, and a safe and inviting environment for everyone who lives in, works in and visits the area.
The plans include creating an attractive public space on Commercial Street, featuring more pedestrianisation, greenery and seating areas.
Commercial Street will move away from being dominated by traffic and will become a more attractive space for shopping and socialising.
On Market Place, we'll be reducing the area's use as a thoroughfare for people, businesses, events and markets.
A water feature, new planting and seating will also be introduced. Improvements will be made to the square, and we'll look at introducing public art to make the area more enjoyable for everyone.
We will be improving access to local stores, including the Tesco Extra supermarket, and creating better, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge and stairs which currently connect the Tesco Extra supermarket will be replaced with a new ramp and open staircase.
A new, high quality housing development will be created on Field Lane, with south-facing gardens.
We will be creating better pedestrian and cycle routes around Batley town centre, from Commercial Street up to Memorial Park, and installing more lighting to make the town centre safer.
A new one-way system will be imposed on Cambridge Street to make manoeuvres less dangerous. Footpaths will be widened for pedestrians, and we'll make parking more efficient.
How the investment is funded
This project to improve Batley town centre will be a £15 million investment.
The majority of that funding comes from the government's Levelling Up Fund, from which we secured £12 million in January 2023. A further £3 million has been committed by Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's 'Streets for People' initiative.
Application for Levelling Up Funding - Batley Town Centre Regeneration Scheme
Consultation
These plans will have a great impact on those who live or work in Batley, so we've developed the proposals based on feedback from the local community and from local businesses. The latest public consultation was held in November 2022.