The second stage of the Dewsbury Town Park consultation ran from 20th August 2022 until 20th September 2022 with 4 consultation events at a unit on Dewsbury Market and an online survey. We heard from a wide range of people who either lived, visited or worked in Dewsbury town centre and we are now able to share the key outcomes.

Headline results

42% of respondents felt positively about the park proposals.

In 2021, 63% of respondents supported the development of a town park.

Of those that did not support the proposals, the most common reasons included:

• Safety and security, particularly around anti-social behaviour.
• Concern that the council will fail to maintain the park.
• The view that the council should instead be investing the funding into local businesses and attracting retailers.

It was also noted that amongst those in support of the park, there were still significant concerns around community safety, maintenance and retail decline.

The most important features were measures to improve security (58%), trees and planting (36%), and space for local businesses to "spill-out" onto Longcauseway (28%).

Half of the respondents felt the park would positively impact the following:

• Access to greenspace.
• Opportunities to sit, relax and enjoy nature.
• Biodiversity.

Who took part?

• 176 people submitted a survey response.
• Views were also collected from various stakeholders, via focus groups.
• Most people (89%) told us they were completing the survey as someone who lives in, works in or visits Dewsbury town centre.
• 3% of responses were made on behalf of a community or voluntary group.
• 59% of respondents identified as female, 34% as male, and 7% either identified as non-binary, preferred not to say, or preferred to self-describe.
• 17% of respondents identified as disabled.
• 10% told us they were from an Asian or Asian British background, 77% white, 1% mixed or multiple ethnic groups, 2% belong to another ethnic group and 10% preferred not to say.
• A range of age groups took part, with 6% under 25, 29% between 25-44, 38% between 45-64, 22% aged 65 and over, and 5% preferred not to say. Response rates from under 45s had dropped significantly from 2021, and response rates amongst the over 65s had increased.

Key actions and progress since the first stage consultation

The key themes that emerged were identical to those raised in the previous consultation. We want residents to know that the council, in partnership with a range of other agencies and organisations, are working hard to tackle the issues that you are most concerned about.

Safety and security

• The project team are working with Safer Kirklees team to look for all opportunities to design out crime.
• The scheme will include measures to improve community safety including CCTV, security lighting, and ambient lighting. We are also exploring other technology to improve safety.
• Safer Kirklees have been working to deliver regular days of action, aimed at tackling persistent issues such as street drinking and anti-social behaviour.
• The council has also coordinated a Safer Dewsbury Town Centre team that, will deliver initiatives to make the town centre look and feel safer.

Maintenance concerns

Many residents voiced concerns around ensuring the space is maintained and kept clean. The council has committed to maintaining the park and maintenance considerations have been a key factor in shaping the park design. Work is ongoing to refine a long-term maintenance strategy.

Supporting local retailers and businesses

• In early Spring 2022, the council delivered a public realm improvement scheme, Better Spaces, which included improvements to the front of the library area.
• The town park itself is part of our wider Blueprint to revitalise the town centre and support its local businesses to thrive. We hope that an improved public realm, that provides a pleasant, quiet space to spend time in, will encourage an outdoor café culture along Longcauseway.
• Alongside the park, we are continuing to progress other key projects in Dewsbury - namely the Arcade and market projects. The Arcade, with works due to commence in Autumn 2023, will be managed by a local community group.
• The Dewsbury Revival Grant Scheme (a joint initiative delivered by the Council, in partnership with Historic England and Heritage Lottery funding), which provides grant funding to local businesses, has successfully refurbished the frontage of a number of shops in the town centre.

Scheme Progress

Having taken forward the preferred design from the 2021 consultation, we kept the designs origins, which were based on a theme of movement, to reflect the areas past railway heritage.

• Following feedback from parents around the location of the play areas, we have revised the play equipment so that all of it will be together.
• Following discussions with the Royal British Legion, the war memorial will be relocated to the vantage point above the amphitheatre. This will be a peaceful space, with seating for reflection.
• We are continuing to liaise with disability and visual impairment support groups, to ensure the park will be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Our revised designs and proposals for the second stage consultation

Addressing the lack of quality greenspace in the town centre, the park will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to spend time outside and connect with nature, which can have a positive impact on health and well-being.

This design takes forward the essential elements of the preferred concept design chosen in the first stage consultation, including:

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First stage public consultation