Changes bringing fresh challenges - what's happening at town centre sites
CHANGING times were producing new challenges for Todmorden Town Centre Regeneration Board but its chairman is confident it can meet them, gaining benefit for the town when the opportunity arose.
Coun Ian Cooper said changing circumstances had meant it was an opportune moment to indicate to townspeople what was happening in areas of Todmorden and how the board was trying to make progress over a number of sites.
He said he was encouraged by what the board had achieved so far; establishing a development brief, securing partnership agreements with the likes of Yorkshire Forward and the Primary Care Trust; committing 1 million for the development of the town centre and contributing to the value of all the surrounding land.
In the process they had lifted the profile of Todmorden but: "There is still much to do and it requires dedication, focus and strength of belief," he said.
One of the biggest changes was the Government's decision to fold regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and it was not yet known what the plans or funding of its successor would be.
Added to that, a formal planning application had been received by Calderdale Council for the Netto and Abraham Ormerod sites, which had attracted mixed opinions.
They had also been advised that the Environment Agency (EA) would be undertaking significant works in Todmorden which if not managed in partnership could produce issues for the town.
One of the key drivers was the Rose Street Health Centre site, said Coun Cooper (Conservative), who is also a Todmorden ward councillor on Calderdale Council.
"We understand that the conditions imposed by Yorkshire Forward when they acquired the building on our behalf remain the same," he said.
"However, demolition has not yet been actioned because we await an integral traffic management scheme. The important thing about the traffic management scheme is that the traders have highlighted the damaging effect when they were last subjected to significant building works and disruption.
"There is only one access and egress point at Rose Street so we have to ensure that heavy plant doesn't impact in traffic flow through the valley, or on general shopping activity," he said.
The board was mindful however that the building had attracted a great deal of vandalism and efforts were being taken to address the problem.
Coun Cooper said Calderdale Council had explored the possibility of buying the Ormerod site on Burnley Road but the difference between the district valuer's price and that of another bidder - which turned out to be Netto - was too great.
But the board and council would work to get benefits for the town should it go ahead.
Wider issues which had to be considered included loss of footfall to the market area following the relocation of the town's health centre , as well as the work planned by the EA which would include the town centre.
"We need to consider the potential impact on the town and how the Rose Street centre may offer an opportunity in partnership to alleviate or even mitigate the disruptive effects of this work," he said.
Proposals for developing use of the historic Town Hall were now well advanced and a submission for Heritage Lottery funding was not far away, although this would entail locating some match-funding.
There were other development opportunities the board continued to pursue although it had to be understood that these involved many different ownerships and issues.
Following demolition, the attractiveness of the site at Adamroyd Mill, Burnley Road, had been exposed but was something yet to be realised; Calderdale had made approaches to acquire the One Stop building opposite the town hall which was in private ownership but this had significant cost issues; Tipside was also privately owned.
But townspeople would see movement on other sites, with the Der Street improvement scheme, off Halifax Road, expected to start soon - this was an important gateway to Todmorden town centre.
Regarding the Stannard site on Halifax Road, it was in a superb position and remained the best site for developing a sustainable tourism industry for Todmorden and the board would continue to fight for that, said Coun Cooper.
In terms of Todmorden Market, whatever the board endeavoured to do in the town centre, it had to ensure the town's "critical mass" - the market and surrounding shops, were protected. "Anything we look at bringing in should be complementary," he said.
Coun Cooper urged townspeople to attend the Ward Forum hosted by Calderdale Council next Wednesday, September 1.
"We hope the town centre issues will be on the agenda and it will also include issues relating to Calderdale Council's budget," he said.
The board consists of Calderdale and Todmorden town council representatives, and representatives from Todmorden Pride and Todmorden Business Association.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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