Kirklees Council has provided an update on the transformation of Holmfirth town centre.

The town is the subject of the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan (HTCAP) – a £10.3m scheme which comes as part of the area’s wider “blueprint” project.

Its aim is to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, improve journey times, encourage active travel and make the town more accessible.

While strides have been made in terms of the scheme’s progress, it’s been a difficult time for some local businesses.

A view of Victoria Street, Holmfirth. Credit: Kirklees Council

placeholder image — A view of Victoria Street, Holmfirth. Credit: Kirklees Council

Since work kicked off in 2024, several have shut up shop, with the resulting disruption said to have been a contributing factor.

To the relief of those who have been struggling, the access plan is looking ahead to completion this spring.

The local authority has recently provided an update setting out how far the scheme has come and what will be happening next.

Piling works on Hollowgate were finished recently and highways officers have worked overnight to resurface Victoria Street, Town Gate, Station Road, and Huddersfield Road.

An aerial view of Huddersfield Road car park, Holmfirth. Credit: Kirklees Council

The replacement of Yorkstone flags on Victoria Street came up against a hitch when concerns were identified due to hidden cellars below that are still in use. But an alternative solution has since been found and specialist materials installed.

This week, work will begin to remove the current bridge over the River Holme.

Pedestrian access will be maintained, though traffic will be narrowed and controlled on Hollowgate. In two weeks time, once the old bridge has been removed, work will start on building the foundations for the new bridge.

This will conclude on February 6 and require Hollowgate to be closed to vehicles.

Between Wednesday, January 21 and Monday, March 2, further construction work around the bridge area will take place with Hollowgate remaining closed to vehicles.

From the following day until Monday, March 9, the final stages of resurfacing will take place and road markings reinstated.

From this month onwards, work will continue on improving the car park and events space. Kirklees Council is working with specialist contractors on the foundation designs.

Once building work is complete market stalls will return, and the space will be used for local events. Construction of the car park and events space will be completed in Spring 2026.

By the start of April, all highways improvement works on Victoria Street, Towngate, Hollowgate and Huddersfield Road will be complete.