What we did
During October and November 2021, Heckmondwike ward councillors and Kirklees Council staff learned what local people think about Heckmondwike town centre, through the ‘Listening to Heckmondwike’ activities.
We published the Listening to Heckmondwike results in March 2022 for everyone to look at. Ward councillors and council officers also wanted to make sure that more local people had the opportunity to contribute as the work progressed.
In June 2022 we asked local people to prioritise what is important to them. We also sent a letter to businesses and households in and around Heckmondwike town centre. This included the option to complete an online questionnaire, which was shaped by what we’ve learned from participants so far.
Who participated?
172
people took part in our ‘Next steps’ activities in Heckmondwike
340
people have taken part in ‘Listening to Heckmondwike’ overall
What we’ve learned
Through our drop-in session and responses to the questionnaire, we’ve been able to confirm what citizens told us and we’ve established what local people’s priorities for action are. We’ve also learned more about issues in Heckmondwike town centre.
The main priorities people identified are:
- Improving town centre vibrancy through themed events and festivals.
- Better traffic management, along with road and pavement improvments.
- Tackling motorists antisocial behaviour, and drug issues.
- Improving public areas and town centre buildings.
- Improve public rights of way, parks and recreation and sports facilities.
We have since been working with council colleagues, the local community and partners to develop ideas. Together we have now created an action plan.
Next steps for ‘Listening to Heckmondwike’ results summary (PDF)
Listening to Heckmondwike
Our Local Centres – Masterplans
Heckmondwike is one of several local town centres to each be receiving investment of £1.5m from Kirklees Council. The results from these conversations mean that we have a better understanding of the needs of people in the town. Thank you to everyone who has got involved.
To support investment in each of the town centres, Kirklees Council are also developing a masterplan to identify areas where significant growth and revitalisation can happen. This is important for the future, so that we can meet the demands of new and existing communities.
We will continue to work in partnership with ward councillors, local communities, businesses, developers, and voluntary groups to inspire and encourage new investment into local towns.
Our Local Centres Programme
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