As stated in the document:
"This work has been inspired by the energy that currently surrounds the Calder Valley. Our area is being recognised at local and national levels as an exciting and precious environment that is worth preserving, enhancing and cherishing. Funding for infrastructure such as the transport network, and flood resilience, is being directed towards Calderdale. We wish to ensure that funds and energies invested in Sowerby Bridge are effective in contributing to the spirit of this special place."
Image: Sowerby Bridge Green Blue Masterplan
Image: Sowerby Bridge supporting concept sketch
The Town Development Board have a vision of Sowerby Bridge that is:
Healthy - walkable and bikeable, with clean fresh air to breathe
Attractive - a desirable place to live, work and visit, with distinctive character
Sustainable - protecting and improving our spaces, with the future in mind
Attractive - a desirable place to live, work and visit, with distinctive character
Sustainable - protecting and improving our spaces, with the future in mind
We have helped them to interpret this into a series of high-level masterplans and proposals for the built environment, to provide a framework to guide development and restoration work in this exciting part of Calderdale, including:
- Improving identity, the active transport network and key connections
- Integrated Green Infrastructure
- Celebrating water and reducing the impact of flooding
- Celebrating heritage and industry, whilst looking to the future
Image: Sowerby Bridge Stage 2 Masterplan
Various key sites have been explored in further detail, including a reinvigoration of Sowerby Bridge market place, and its connection to the historic canal. This key leisure corridor includes National Cycle Network Route 66.
Images: Sowerby Bridge Market Place Concept, Plan and Sketch
The 'old coal drops' is another site that has been reimagined as a gateway landscape between the town and its train station.
Images: Sowerby Bridge Old Coal Drops Concept
The masterplan documents are available in full for comment at Sowerby Bridge public library, or on WYCA's website at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/sbmasterplan, until 2nd November. Comments will inform the brief for the next stage of design work.
By Amanda McDermott CMLI