Town centre redevelopment plans submitted

The plans would see a car park transformed into a public space, with new fixed stalls for the outdoor market

Plans to revamp a West Yorkshire town's outdoor market have been submitted.

The proposals for the centre of Todmorden would see the installation of new fixed stalls and a change of use for the Bramsche Square car park to create a public space for events and festivals.

Calderdale Council said the scheme, funded by a wider £17.5m Town Deal awarded to Todmorden by the government, would be a chance "to create a vibrant and green town square".

However, the planned changes to parking have been opposed by some market and town centre businesses due to concerns about how it could impact trade.

The council developed the project in collaboration with the Todmorden Town Deal Board, with parking spaces set to be moved to an adjacent site at Rose Street.

This would provide more than 50 replacement car parking spaces, with two short stay parking bays retained to the south of the square.

The number of planned parking spaces has been increased after concerns were raised, with 18 places provided for people to park bicycles.

The proposals would see the replacement of stalls in the outdoor market

Supporting statements for the application argue the changes will benefit the town.

"The scale of this transformative development cannot be overstated - it is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a focal point for civic pride and social cohesion for the town," one states.

In all, eight projects ranging from Centre Vale Park to the Hippodrome Theatre will be developed using Town Deal funding, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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