Council's blueprint for making river the heart of Holmfirth

Plans include making more of the views over the river, creating access closer to the water’s edge and improving the river environment itself.

There are several schemes within the Blueprint but it is said that, during public consultation carried out in November and December last year, the plans for the river, a tributary of the River Colne, received the highest level of support.

Preliminary works are now underway and involve clearing vegetation and allowing access to the river wall. Environmental checks will be carried out, and work will be done to ensure the structural integrity of the river wall whilst preserving the surrounding ecosystem.

Throughout this work, the existing river environment is Kirklees Council’s priority, said an authority spokesperson.

Healthy native plants will be relocated so that they can continue to grow well and thrive in a new environment, promoting environmental stability wherever possible. A new bat box will also be installed, creating a suitable habitat for bats roosting close to the river during the construction period.

These preliminary works will be completed in collaboration with River Holme Connections and Brooks Ecological Consultants.

Developing public realm in the area will also help people enjoy better views of both the river and Holmfirth’s historic town centre. Work on this area will be the next stage of delivery within the Holmfirth Blueprint.

Coun Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Growth & Regeneration, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first tangible steps being taken towards delivering the Holmfirth Blueprint – and these preliminary works are contributing to a project which has seen tremendous public support.

"The River Holme gives Holmfirth its name and is already a beautiful feature within the town centre, so it’s unsurprising that putting the river back at the heart of the town is so important to so many.

“At the end of the day, our blueprints are about creating better, more beautiful and more functional centres for local people to enjoy, and they’re also about preserving Kirklees’ beauty and heritage for future generations. I’m very excited to see these plans come to life.”

Holmfirth is one of Kirklees’ most beautiful historic towns, and the blueprint plans prioritise its vibrancy as a place for people of all ages to meet, enjoy local businesses, culture and events.

As work progresses, there may be some impact on local events. Should this be the case, the council will work with organisers to minimise any disruption.