Sustainable Vision for Todmorden

A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden

Leeds Metropolitan University : Sustainable communities Todmorden

andy jones, Ben Singer, Faye Walton Contents 6.0 6.0 Anti-social Behaviour and Crime 1.0 1.0 Introduction 6.1 Tourism 1.1 Todmorden 6.2 Leisure and Recreation

1.2 Todmorden: Demographics 6.3 Environment

6.4 Economy and Business

6.5 Transport 2.0 2.0 Local history 6.6 Housing 2.1 Local History: Historic Maps 2.2 Local History: Signiﬁ cant Buildings 7.0 7.0 Sites for Sustainable Opportunities 7.1 Bramsche Square 3.0 Policy Context 3.0 7.2 Halifax Road Gateway Business Park

7.3 Burnley Road

7.4 Additional Ideas for the Future 4.0 4.0 Community Involvement 8.0 8.0 Governance and Funding

5.0 A Sustainable Approach 5.0 9.0 9.0 A day in the life of Jack Jarman

A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 1.0 Introduction

The Purpose of the Document

The aim of this vision is to provide Todmorden with a guide to the future development and enhancement of the town. We aim to promote a sustainable vision for Todmorden The completion of this document will provide a sustainable vision for Todmorden which will inﬂ uence future land use within the town and highlight a number of key proposals to tackle the important issues or problems by enhancing the areas existing natural and built assets. identiﬁ able within the town today. The vision will establish a framework to transform Todmorden into a vibrant and creative ‘sustainable community’, one which is “safe, inclusive, well planned, built and run and offer[s] equality of opportunity and good services for all” (Mcdonald et al., 2009, 49).

The vision has been developed in line with the objectives or themes outlined within the wider visions for both Todmorden and the Calderdale region, and by considering other relevant national planning and regeneration policies or guidance. Where possible, the results of any community consultation or engagement conducted will also be used to infl uence the development of the vision to ensure that its proposals refl ect the priorities of local people. This ensures that the plans for Todmorden are developed by, and for the benefi t of, the local community.

Key Questions:

• What is the current image of Todmorden? • What problems or challenges can be identiﬁ ed within the town today? • How can we build on the success of community-based initiatives such as ‘Incredible Edible Todmorden’ to help achieve the targets outlined within this document? • How can new, modern forms of employment opportunities be created within Todmorden? • Where and how can new, affordable housing be built in Todmorden and how can the current housing stock be maintained to a high standard? • How is the management of Transport in Todmorden? • How can visitors be attracted to Todmorden?

1 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 1.1 Todmorden

Todmorden is a market town which is affectionately know by its residents as ‘Tod’. Todmorden offers an exciting mix of cultural attractions, such as a bustling market, a popular art gallery, Centre Vale Park, areas of historical interest and the Hipperdrome Theatre. Todmorden also provides visitors with the chance to enjoy the surrounding moorlands for fantastic walks and cycling opportunities.

Where is Todmorden?

Todmorden is located within the Calder Valley at the far west of the county of West Yorkshire and is close to a number of large thriving towns and cities, including Manchester (24 miles), Leeds (33 miles), Bradford (21 miles), Halifax (19 miles) and Rochdale and Burnley (9 miles). Todmorden is served by good transport links to Leeds and Manchester, which are both within easy reach by car (1 hour) or rail (1 hour and 35 minutes respectively).

2 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 1.1 Todmorden

Todmorden lies within three steep sided valleys in the Pennines, which gives the town its distinctive shape. It is famous for its surrounding moorlands and also for its historic boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire, which was marked by the River Calder and the Walsden Water which runs through the centre of the town.

The administrative border, which previously divided the town between Yorkshire and Lancashire, was altered by the Local Government Act 1888,ensuring that the entirety of Todmorden now lies within West Yorkshire.

3 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 1.2 Todmorden: Demographics

Todmorden Proﬁ le: An Interview with Jack Jarman

• The area has 2.9 people per square kilometre; Occupation: Landscape Artist, member of Todmorden Art • Population: 14,941; • Median age: 39; Group • % Retirees: 20.56%; Location: Todmorden Art Gallery, Todmorden Train Station. • % Unemployed: 3.72%; • % Educated to a degree level: 19.99%; The Todmorden Art Group have established a free gallery at • Full time students: 414; the Train Station which is rented from the Northern Rail group, • Total migrants: 11.82%; • Average distance (km) travelled to ﬁ xed place of work:14.15; with 11 work spaces. These spaces were used by the Railway • 28.9% of population is single. Museum before being used by Todmorden Art. Jack describes the original site as being ‘’full of winos’’, although it is no longer OL14 (2001 Census) 2011 considered a social issue.

The main community group for Todmorden is Todmorden Pride, established in January 1998, Jack kindly offered a number of opinions on Todmorden which he sees as being particularly which operates as a voluntary group and includes a diverse range of representatives drawn from important to the vitality of the town. all sectors of the community. The main objectives of the group are to facilitate a sustainable future for Todmorden, with this being achieved through exploiting its architectural heritage and Firstly, he wanted to highlight the connection between Todmorden’s future and its past, noting environmental advantages. John Fielding, an industrialist and philanthropist, as a key person that enabled Todmorden to

become the community it is today. There are 24 members representing each of its partner groups:

Jack also noted the excellent rail connectivity between Todmorden and other local towns, but • Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (3 members) did suggest that the link to Burnley was currently poor. He also recalled the former ‘‘Blackpool • Todmorden Town Council (2 members) Bell’ service as excellent. • Todmorden Business Association (1 member) • Local Business (2 members) In addition, Jack stated a number of characteristics about Todmorden that were appreciated by • Art, Culture & Tourism (2 members) the local community: • Community Organisations (2 members) • Young People’s Groups or Schools (2 members) • A busy, bustling environment; • Environmental Groups (2 members) • Only 5 minutes walk from the countryside; • Sporting Organisations (2 members) • An artists paradise; • Co-opted members (6 members) • Wonderful architecture; Another prime example of a strong, nonproﬁ t community organisation is Incredible Edible, whose • A lot of ramblers come to the town; and success is now infamous, and continues to inspire innovative responses to local ‘green’ issues. • Its proximity to Hebden Bridge.

The most recent census, completed in 2001, identifi ed that the number of people living within the The closing of the Hipperdome Theatre, however, did disappoint Jack, especially the famous Todmorden ward was 10285. A general pattern of outward migration can be identifi ed within the seats, named the ’Lovers Seats’. He also notes a dislike of the wind farms, especially the car ward, as the total number of people living in Todmorden has declined since the previous census park that has been built to accommodate traffi c to and from the site. in 1991. 95% of the population living within the ward identifi ed that they were white British or ‘white other’, compared to 93% within the Calderdale region and 90% nationally. The Todmorden To Jack, Todmorden is ‘going over the top with Heritage’, he recalls being able to “put his hand ward has a similar age profi le to the Calderdale region although the proportion of younger people in the crack” of a particular old building and suggested that this was not contributing to the living in Todmorden has decreased generally since 2001. image of the town. 4 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 2.0 Local History

Todmorden’s earliest written record is shown in the Domesday Book in 1086, where it was shown to be on the boundary of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Todmorden was part of the Huddersﬁ eld township until the 1660's when it became a separate town.

Todmorden is a market town and civil parish. The population of the borough of Todmorden Municipal Borough in 1901 was over 25,000, which declined in the 20th century to just under 15,000 in the 2001 census.

Boundary deformation The boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire formerly ran through the centre of Todmorden but the town is now ofﬁ cially part of West Yorkshire. The border was altered by the Local Government Act in 1888.

Early History In the Middle Ages, Todmorden estates were built in the 13th century by two lords, Saviles of Thornhill and the Radcliffe family of Todmorden Hall. One of the most famous buildings from this era is the Todmorden Old Hall.

Blackheath Barrow, Todmorden's Ancient Circle The Ancient Circle is a henge earth circle measuring 100ft, previously known as the Roman Barrow. Excavations in 1898 showed it to be Bronze Age.

19th Century The arrival of the railway changed Todmorden from a Rural Town into a Industrial Town. Todmorden grew at a fast rate during this time, developing as a prosperous Victorian Mill town and becoming a borough in 1886.

20th Century Todmorden's economy declined from the end of the First World War and then accelerated after the Second World War until the 1970's. In January 1907, Todmorden Corporation became the second municipality in the Britsh Isles to operate a motor bus service.

5 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 2.0 Local History

Todmorden Market Todmorden’s ﬁ rst market opened in 1802 at White Hart Fold.

Railway History The section between Todmorden and Littleborough was the most difﬁ cult to construct and was the last to be opened. A line from Todmorden to Burnley was built between 1845 and 1949. The linking section of the line that allowed through-trains from Halifax to Burnley to stop in Todmorden was dismantled in the second half of the 20th century.

Until 1938, the town was served by no fewer than six railway stations but all six closed during the middle third of the 20th century, although Walsden station reopened on 10 September 1990. A goods train carrying petrol derailed in the summit tunnel between Todmorden and Littleborough in 1984, causing one of the biggest underground ﬁ res in transport history. The industrial revolution developed Todmorden in terms of transport and cotton, which established economic links with Manchester.

Textile History The Cotton industry dominated the town of Todmorden, helped by the Fielden family in the 1780's. The Upper Calder Valley farmers would provide the raw materials which could then be manufactured into textiles. Cloth manufacturing increased in the late 15th century, from which the proﬁ ts generated were invested within town buildings such as St Mary’s Chapel.

Todmorden has a number of mills along the banks of the streams ﬂ owing into the region from the upper moorlands, with the town renowned for its cotton, spinning and weaving.

John Fielden Along with his ﬁ ve sons, Fielden built a substantial cloth and textile industry within Todmorden that grew rapidly due to the opening of Rochdale Canal in 1804. The Fieldens had 39,048 spindles, 684 power looms and more than 1,000 dependant hand loom weavers producing around 2,000 pieces of cloth each week. In 1850's there were 100,000 spindles and 1,600 looms in production with 1,925 workers employed as weavers at Waterside.

At least 20% of Todmorden's population were dependant directly, or indirectly, on the Fielden Brothers.

6 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 2.1 Local History: Historic Maps

1850 1900

1950 1980 7 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 2.2 Local History: Significant Buildings

Key

1- Todmorden Train station

2- Todmorden Parish Church

3- Todmorden Town Hall C 4- Todmorden Market D 5- Hippodrome Theatre

6- Centre Vale Park A 7- Todmorden Church B

A 4

BDC 3 1 2

7 6

8 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 2.2 Local History: Significant Buildings

3- Todmorden Town Hall 1- Todmorden Railway Station The Town Hall was designed by John Gibson of The Railway Station was originally built by the Manchester and Leeds London in 1875 in an Italian Renaissance style of Railway group and was opened in March 1841. The ‘Burnley’ curve architecture. The Town Hall is grade I listed and is might be reopened as there is a possibility of a new funding agreement a key landmark in the town, particularly as it is sited between central government and a consortium of local councils in East at the former crossing point between Lancashire and Lancashire. Yorkshire. This is represented in the design at the front of the building, where the right side is farming Ofﬁ ces and kitchens were erected in 1866 and are now used as an Art and iron trades (Yorkshire) and the left side is cotton Gallery. trades (Lancashire).

The Hall is in the centre of the town at the junction between Halifax Road, Burnley Road and Rochdale Road and has prominent views looking across the south of the town. Todmorden Viaduct The Viaduct is grade II listed and was designed by George Stephenson in 1840. It acts as a gateway to the town In 1866 the Fielden family bought the partially constructed premises for £3,500 and centre, speciﬁ cally the market place. The Viaduct has nine stone arches which are 54 feet high, with seven of commissioned the ﬁ nal design by Gibson. It was opened on April 3rd 1875, and given the stone arches spanning more than sixty feet. to the town in 1891.

Todmorden Old Hall 4- Todmorden Market The Old Hall is grade II listed and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Todmorden, Todmorden has an indoor market, held in the Public Market Hall, and with the earliest record of the house in 1293. It is known for its local distinctiveness an outdoor open air market held to the front of Hall. The indoor market with hidden views from Rise Lane and Hall Street. It was refurbished in the 17th has over 40 market trader stalls selling a variety of products and local century by Saville Radcliffe, whose coat of arms can now be seen above the door. It produce. It is open from Monday to Saturday (half day closing Tuesday) was initially occupied by the Radcliffe family once it had been refurbished, but later between the hours of 9.00am to 5.30pm. bought by John Fielden in 1717.

In 1924 the building became a post ofﬁ ce, however, it is now used as a restaurant and was recently advertised at a Guide Price of £795,000. 7- St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church is a grade II listed building, originally built as a Medieval Chapel but now the oldest church in Todmorden. The tower dates from the 15th century and a memorial for John Fielden can be found in the church yard.

St Mary’s became the Parish Church for Todmorden in 1992 and is a key landmark within the town.

9 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 3.0 Policy Context

Outlined here are some of the most important policies relating to this strategy, however, it should be noted that all relevant guidance will need to be appropriately considered in the formulation of any formal plans and development proposals.

National Planning Policy Regional Planning Guidance A key element in this vision for a more sustainable community within Todmorden is Whilst it is likely that the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Spatial Strategy (2026) will clearly sustainable development, and Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1): Delivering be formally and legally revoked upon the enactment of the Localism Bill, it currently still Sustainable Development (2005) outlines the main objectives for planning in this regard. provides the regional planning guidance for this vision for Todmorden. Within the RSS, it PPS1 demonstrates the need to integrate and promote sustainable development within states that rural economies and areas should be supported by plans and strategies which a plan-led system, in an attempt to reconcile issues surrounding economic development, promote complementary roles for Principal Towns and Local Service Centres, which support social inclusion, environmental protection and enhancement, and the prudent use of and protect an attractive rural environment and which ensures appropriate scales and types natural resources. PPS1 also promotes “mixed use developments for locations that allow of development and levels of traffi c generation. the creation of linkages between different uses and can thereby create more vibrant place” (PPS1, 2005, 11). Local Planning Policy The Calderdale Local Development Framework (LDF) will provide the framework for Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3): Housing (2010) also advocates the creation of planning decisions in Calderdale. Whilst the LDF core strategy is currently being consulted sustainable, inclusive mixed communities which have good access to jobs, services and on, and so has not been formally adopted, it should be considered as part of this vision infrastructure, suggesting a mix of market and affordable housing to achieve this (PPS3, for Todmorden’s future. One of the key proposals in relation to Todmorden is the possible 2010, 11) approach which will enhance the role of Todmorden from a ‘Local Service Town’ to a ‘Principal Town’. This would require signifi cant growth in housing, employment and services (CMBC, Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6): Planning for Town Centres (2005) provides an 2011, 36). important directive on the new vision for Todmorden town centre based on promoting its vitality and viability. It suggests that existing centres should be developed and enhanced, The core strategy also sets out a possible vision for Todmorden in 2026 which it suggests focussing on uses relating to retail, leisure and entertainment, offi ces, arts, culture and could be “Todmorden is a lively and attractive place to live with an enhanced shopping and tourism (PPS6, 2005, 6). leisure experience. The area has a good level of economic, social and environmental well being and is promoted as a centre of heritage, tourism, digital industries and a good quality Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG13): Transport (2011) highlights the of life” (CMBC, 2011, 126). interrelationship between development planning and transport, placing an emphasis on reducing the need to travel and encouraging travel by more sustainable modes of transport However, prior to the formal adoption of the LDF, it is also important to refer to the local such as public transport, cycling and walking. It also demonstrates the positive impact that policies set out in the latest Unitary Development Plan (amended 2009) as they represent can be made by car parking management in facilitating sustainable transport. the main, existing planning guidance for development within the town. Consideration has been given to these policies as part of the overall vision for Todmorden and the individual Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) Development and Flood Risk (2006) aims development proposals provided. to ensure that fl ood risk is accounted for in the planning process to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of fl ooding.

10 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 4.0 Community Involvement

A Community Agenda

Statement of Community Involvement One of the best examples There are legal requirements that show that the Council has to develop and follow a statement of of Community involvement community involvement, particularly for public engagement in the preparation of Local Development is the nonproﬁ t organisation Documents’s. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12): Local Spatial Planning (2008) states that as ‘Incredible Edible’ Todmorden. part of the development of the LDF, the Council must consult with the following types of organisation. The organisation, formed by volunteers, aims to make • Speciﬁ c Organisations; Todmorden a more sustainable • Government Departments and General Organisations; and environmentally-friendly town, where food is grown and consumed in local areas • Additional organisations; in the town. An example of their strategy can be found in their participation with the • Interested Parties; local Police, and particularly the use of their Station as a site for growing food, as well • Resident and Resident Groups. as with local schools, where their grounds are used.

Community involvement and engagement has also taken place as part of the development of some more localised documents speciﬁ cally aimed at Todmorden. Firstly, Calderdale Council have noted The local community are also involved in the Todmorden as a site for community involvement in the Calderdale Local Development Framework, protection of their town, with neighbourhood named ‘Have your say in the future development of your area, Todmorden Area’. policing, neighbourhood watch initiatives, and meetings held regularly to discuss local In addition, the ‘Todmorden Town Renaissance Project’ which aims to create a new heart for the centre issues and problems. The Safer and Stronger of Todmorden held public feedback events in February 2009, consulting with the public on the preferred Communities scrutiny panel also ensure voices developers scheme in October/November 2009. are heard in the protection of the town.

As part of a community scheme to ensure safety, the Calderdale Strategic Assessment Partnership In addition, the community organisation ‘Faith produced an assessment for a ‘Safer and Stronger Community 2011-12’. This involved a scrutiny panel Watch’ aims to protect the churches within the whose combined knowledge and skills were brought together in the aim of creating a safer and stronger town. community.

As part of the organisation ‘Incredible Edible’, volunteers set out to consult with the local community, It is clear that Todmorden has a very asking the people of Todmorden what they like and dislike about Todmorden. They were also asked strong and successful community, what they would like to see improved or created. The consultation was named ‘What’s bugging you’ and with this highlighted by the strength provided the Council with issues and challenged which faced Todmorden. Some of the key ﬁ ndings and of community opposition to proposed outcomes generated from this exercise have been used to inform the ‘Sustainable Vision for Todmorden’ supermarket developments within the set out in this document. town.

11 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 5.0 A Sustainable Perspective

What is a ‘Sustainable Community’? Sustainable Communities in UK Policy Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in urban design and place making ideas in planning, The Urban Task Force report (Rogers, 1999) provided an early stimulus for the sustainable combined with an attempt to create more ecologically sustainable developments, in pursuit of what communities agenda within the UK, highlighting the need for planning to encourage more has been termed ‘sustainable communities’. Perhaps the most deﬁ ning feature of the approach sustainable development. This was followed by the white paper ‘Our Towns and Cities: the is that it shares much in common with the sustainable development concept, in that it attempts to future – delivering an urban renaissance’ (DETR, 2000), which re-emphasised the need for reconcile a broad range of economic, social and environmental concerns in the development of built high quality urban design, environmental awareness, social well-being and good governance environments. in planning and building communities.

Sustainable communities should be developed in accordance with, and be responsive to, local The Egan Review ‘Skills for Sustainable Communities’, which followed in 2004, provided an community views, with the capability to sustain itself; working in partnership with external agencies important phase in developing the key principles for achieving sustainable communities, as and government to enhance the ‘liveability’ of the local built environment. As much as anything, it well as the skills required by professionals in facilitating their delivery. Egan (2004) identiﬁ ed should “contribute to a high quality of life” (Egan, 2004, 7) for those that live in, and interact with, a 7 key components of sustainable communities in his infamous ‘wheel’; including economic, given community. social and cultural, environmental, housing and the built environment, community services, transport and connectivity, and governance (See image).

Different Visions of Sustainable Communities Many different visions of sustainable communities have materialised as part of the wider agenda in the UK, with each placing varying emphasis on the social, economic and environmental principles outlined by Egan and others. Some examples are provided below:

• ‘Gated communities’ – a self-contained, socially aspiring community, with diverse architecture and well-designed public and green space; • ‘Total place communities’ – a decentralised, low cost approach focused on speciﬁ c local issues and needs and resolved in partnership with these communities; • ‘Balanced communities’ – a self-reliant, mixed-use community, drawing on communitarian notions of positive citizenship in order to promote inclusion and equity; and • ‘Eco-town communities’ – an ecologically-friendly, low-carbon approach which places emphasis on resolving environmental concerns surrounding climate change.

An appropriate vision for Todmorden will attempt to take the positive initiatives from these different visions of sustainable communities and incorporate them into a single, achievable strategy for the town.

12 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.0 Anti-social behaviour and Crime Key issues and challenges

‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings:

Todmorden is currently acting to create a ‘Safer and Stronger Community’, with the development of • Speeding Cars and Dangerous Driving a ‘Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Panel’ which works as a crime and disorder committee. Every year, the Community Safety Partnership undertakes a strategic Assessment of Crime and • Lack of Police in the Town Centre, particularly at Weekends Disorder across the Borough. The partnership is made up of representatives from the police, the local council, and the ﬁ re, health and probation services. Partnership members work together to • Anti social Behaviour, such as Drinking and noise around the Market, Bus Station develop and implement strategies to protect their local community. and pubs

From this, the panel can deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug or alcohol misuse and • Vandalism and Petty Crime re-offending to create a stronger community. As part of their work, two local priorities have been identiﬁ ed for Todmorden: • People do not feel safe, especially at night

• To reduce the number of speeding vehicles throughout the Borough of Todmorden and take • People feel intimidated by groups of youths enforcement action where appropriate. • To reduce the number of drivers who are using mobile telephones whilst driving in the borough • Grafﬁ ti on buildings, especially the Viaduct of Todmorden and take enforcement action where appropriate.

Allan Raw, the Neighbourhood Inspector states ‘’Todmorden has no more of a problem than any town Todmorden Crime Statistics but we are pleased to have added support of the volunteers, who will be able to share information with each other and ensure their local place of worship is not an easy target for thieves’’.

Todmorden is noted to have a number of anti-social behaviour and crime related issues which are discussed during PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings, in which local policing priorities are established with the help of local community members. Todmorden also has ‘neighbourhood watch’ groups to help prevent crime within the community.

It has been shown that calls to Upper Calder Valley police about anti-social behaviour have fallen by 14% following a drive by the local neighbourhood policing team (NPT), and between April and December 2010 there were 258 fewer calls from the public than in the same period in 2009. Rowdy behaviour is also down by 20% (Todmorden News, Sun 3 April 2011). Allan Raw ''Dealing effectively with anti-social behaviour is really important to us, and while we've seen positive reductions in incidents, which is great news, we know there is still work to do''

13 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.0 Anti-social behaviour and Crime

Towards a Sustainable Future

Todmorden’s main problems are with speeding and anti social behaviour, therefore, a series of proposals are set out here to help reconcile these issues within the town:

• Additional support will be given to current community projects, for example, Faith Watch, to ensure that they remain successful. • Concern has been raised with the lack of policing in the town, therefore it is proposed that community offi cers will patrol the town more regularly. • A project providing young people with the opportunity to work with the police and perhaps become young community offi cers will be established. This will create better respect towards both the police and the older generation who feel vulnerable at night. • The promotion of longer hours for restaurants and bars with a european ‘feel’ will be encouraged, specifi cally to ensure that DollyWood America the town is busy and vibrant at night so that people of all generations do not feel intimidated or unsafe.

In an attempt to stop vandalism in Todmorden, two Youth groups will be set up:

Young Todmorden Art Group (TAG) The Art Group will build upon the ﬂ edgling art scene in the town, but will be speciﬁ cally targeted at young people. It will paintings and sculpture which may focus on the work carried out by ‘Incredible Edible’.

‘Giant Vegetables’ will provide a sculpture trail throughout the town, which will enhance the increasingly ‘green’ image of Todmorden.

Young Todmorden Music Group As noted within the previous attempts at community consultation, music is very important to people and, therefore, there will be a new ‘Dance and Theatre’ group, discussed further as part of the Leisure and Tourism section, which will incorporate music and allow younger people to explore their talent and develop possible skills. The new Bramsche Square will also provide open space for music events, including brass bands, bands and vocalists.

Todmorden’s Church will also facilitate events for young people, which will help to reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

14 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.1 Tourism Key issues and challenges

‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings:

• Attract more visitors to Todmorden by emphasising Tourism has a very important role in the economy as it has the opportunity to bring considerable economic positives such as the Canal and Market beneﬁ t to a region. Therefore, Todmorden must attempt to attract more visitors to the town by celebrating local assets, such as the canal. Tourism has become an important agenda for local towns, as evidenced • There is a lack of publicity for the Town by the CMBC Regeneration and Development Scrutiny Panel, which are investigating proposals for developing a future tourism strategy for Calderdale. • Promote Todmorden as a Tourist centre, as in Hebden Bridge Councillor Barry Collins, Scrutiny Chair for Regeneration and Development, stated that “tourism provides Calderdale with the opportunity to bring growth to the area even in times of economic uncertainty. It is estimated that the industry is worth £248 million a year to the local economy and we need to ensure we maximise its economic beneﬁ ts.’’

A new Tourism Strategy for Calderdale should therefore capitalise on visitor attractions and natural assets. A joint tourism board was already established at the council, which had the responsibility for developing a tourism strategy for the area in 2009. The report outlines the achievements delivered so far as part of the Tourism Action Plan, which includes:

• Business support and engagement TTA, Town Twinning Association • Promotions and marketing The Town Twinning Association, formed in 1978, helps organise group travel • Product development and innovation arrangements, introducing Todmorden community members to hosts in Todmorden’s • Representation at a strategic level. two twinning towns, Bramsche and Ronque. The TTA is operated by an elected chairman, a management committee and social sub-committee. The town twinning Calderdale had a Yorkshire Tourism Event, a Tourism Conference in 2011, which discussed promoting needs to attract more people to join, particularly younger families and local organisations Calderdale as a tourist attraction. The conference was attended by members from Hardcastle Crags; the such as football teams and music groups. Leeds and Pennine Yorkshire Group Travel; Shibden Hall and Estate; Pennine Prospects and Incredible Edible. Key points discussed as part of the conference included the ‘Unique Selling Points’ of Calderdale, The success of Incredible Edible has enabled Todmorden to form a new identity as a ‘Heritage’ and the opportunity for tour organisers to discuss what their customers want from their visits centre for community-led responses to ecological and food issues. T to Calderdale. It is noted that there is currently a lack of publicity for the town and a need to promote Principal Ofﬁ cer, Katie Kinsella showed interest on promoting Incredible Edible Todmorden in the Todmorden’s signiﬁ cant natural and cultural attributes, and that these should form the Calderdale region. Incredible Edible will also support holiday accommodation by using local food as a basis of a renewed tourism strategy for the town. Natural resources, such as the canal, selling point. local distinctiveness such as the park, as well as the markets and existing historical buildings, make the town a very attractive place to visit and this is not currently being realised in terms of the number of tourists coming to Todmorden.

15 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.1 Tourism

Towards a Sustainable Future

Tourism in Todmorden will beneﬁ t the town economically, therefore, it can play a very important role in the sustainable viability of the town. The following proposals are therefore suggested to improve on the existing situation in Todmorden:

• New Bramsche Square - a new Bramsche Square will be created which will be pedestrianised. This means a better public realm and heart at the centre of the town. This will compliment the markets surrounding the site and provide space for relaxing and opportunities for new cafes and restaurants.

• Green Route/Bee Hive walk - a new planned ‘Green Route’ by Incredible Edible will improve the attractiveness of the town, highlighting new areas for visitors and locals. The bee hive walk will compliment the existing egg walk, bringing a light-hearted approach for tourists.

• Local Branding and Produce - the markets will provide a focal point for local produce, such as Todmorden honey, tea, eggs and beer, which will help create a ‘buzz’ around the town and improve economic performance. Todmorden will become a fundamental part of ‘Totally Locally’ within Calderdale.

• Todmorden Touring Food Festival - an annual festival will highlight local produce, promoting the town and boosting the economy.

• Town Twinning Association - extra support will be given to the TTA in encouraging more people to use the service. Stronger links between Todmorden and its ‘twinned’ towns may also help to encourage more visitors from overseas.

• Incredible Edible Centre - an Incredible Edible centre will encourage and involve the community into making Todmorden an ‘Incredible Institute’, which will in turn promote sustainability. The centre will house a headquarters for the group and will be based on Halifax Road, a site that was previously planned to be used as a supermarket. The space will allow beds for vegetation and will provide visitors with a tour and visitor shop.

16 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.2 Leisure and recreation

Key issues and challenges ‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings:

• Todmorden needs a Cinema and a Bowling Alley Todmorden offers many leisure and recreational activities: • There is a lack of public art, sculpture trails and and art College Todmorden Sports Centre Todmorden’s sport centre is situated at the edge of Centre Vale Park, and includes local football and other sports • There is not enough to do teams. ‘Tod Sports JFC’, a community group of volunteers, helps to manage the junior football teams, which are sponsored by Top Brink Inn, Cocktails and RS Motorcycles. • Community organisations want a suitable space for activities and meeting, which will be open and free for all

Centre Vale Park • The sports centre is dirty Centre Vale Park, located next to Buckley Wood, is enjoyed by the people of Todmorden for its natural scenery. The park offers a sculpture trail, a children’s play-area, gardens and a reptile house. Todmorden also has a Toy • People want a music venue for live music and Model Museum which houses more than 5,000 toys and models. The park holds events such as a carnival, an agricultural show, and a beer festival. The park is close to the town centre, and is therefore easily accessible • There is a lack of community centres on foot. • The sports centre football is too expensive

Todmorden Moor • Lack of crèche facilities at the Sports Centre Todmorden Moor is 720 acres of open moorland within less than two miles of Todmorden town centre. It is open to the public as an ‘Urban Common’, which allows people to graze their stock and use the area for quiet recreation. Todmorden Moor is on the Pennine watershed between Lancashire and West Yorkshire, reaching over 440 metres at its peak. It is typically peat and grass moorland in form.

Todmorden Moor has been used for over two centuries for quarrying, mining and clay work, which have scarred the landscape. Over the years, Todmorden Moor was also used as a ‘dumping ground’ by tippers, therefore an organisation was set up to protect and restore the Moorland. Todmorden Moor Restoration Trust are a group of local volunteers who aim to restore areas of the Common Land which were damaged as a result of past industrial activities and illegal tipping. The Trust works with local authorities and have successfully been involved in clean- up days, and the promotion of moorland and common land issues.

The trust began as Todmorden Moor Action Group in 1989 and is now a registered charity. It believes that Todmorden Moor is invaluable unfenced peat and grass moorland which has been occupied by people for centuries.

17 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.2 Leisure and recreation

Towards a Sustainable Future

Todmorden needs to promote a better ‘quality of life’ and encourage people to live and work in the town, as well as visit. Todmorden is becoming increasingly known as a cultural ‘hub’ for artists and this should therefore be enhanced upon as part of a strategy for the town. However, Todmorden must also provide for other creative visions, such as dance, theatre and music.

The following proposals are, therefore, suggested:

• Todmorden Dance and Theatre School will be established on a vacant site on Burnley Road. This site is Proposed building for the Todmorden Dance School chosen because of its proximity to the Centre Vale Park and Sports Centre. The site will then be able to use the park for possible outdoor performances and training. The school will also be integrated into the ‘Calderdale Dance Company’ which will facilitate wider group performances and events across the Calder Valley and beyond. Performing arts will be used to transform the lives of disaffected and disadvantaged young people in the area.

• Prices for the Sports Centre will be revised so that it is more affordable to local community members. The offers and activities will increase so that there is more to offer all ages. The condition of the building will also be improved so that it provides a modern, suitable environment with the appropriate facilities.

• Sports will be celebrated and used to bring together young people in the town, with an annual football event held, where local schools can compete with other schools in the area.

• Todmorden Moor will be promoted as an areas for walking and relaxing, providing numerous social beneﬁ ts relating to health and well being, as well as economic beneﬁ ts from tourist activities. One suggestion is to establish an orienteering group which will allow both the local community and tourists to navigate the upper moorland areas surrounding the town. The Todmorden Moor Trust will help to ensure the safety of those exploring the moorland by creating set routes for people to follow and explore.

Leeds’ Yorkshire Dance and Halifax’s Square Chapel

18 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.3 Environmental Key issues and challenges

Flooding 'What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings: The Environment Agency report that Todmorden has a long history of fl ooding from the River Calder and Walsden Water, and the town has suffered as a result of signifi cant fl ooding on fi ve occasions since 1979. • Tidy up litter and broken glass. This can lead to widespread fl ooding of homes and businesses within the town and important transport routes have also been severely disrupted by fl ooding. In 2005 the Environment Agency began work to • Enforce fi nes on people who do not pick up dog mess. improve fl ood defences in Todmorden including the use of Centre Vale Park to store fl ood water and also the construction of new defences along the banks of the River Calder. • Increase the number of bins for dog mess.

• Provide bins for garden waste. Renewables The Upper Calder Valley clearly retains an appropriate natural environment for wind power technology, with • More allotment sites are required. many proposals and developments targeted within the upper moorland areas surrounding the valley. • Clean up the river and the canal. However, these developer-led schemes have been strongly opposed by local community members within the town, due to the potential adverse impact on the natural landscape and local ecological systems. • Tensions between wind farms.

Other renewable technologies, including solar photovoltaic panels and solar heating, have been • Concerns about threat of ﬂ ooding. implemented on a small number of public and private buildings within Todmorden, including the medical centre. Given that such technologies can be retroﬁ tted as well as installed on new buildings, there is considerable potential to grow the use of renewable energy in the town which has yet to be realised.

• Developer-led wind farm proposals do not beneﬁ t the community and fail to account for local concerns; and

• The absence of a ﬁ rm strategy for encouraging renewable energy production and consumption within the Upper Calder Valley area is hampering the deployment of such technologies.

19 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.3 Environmental Todmorden Flood Risk Map

20 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.3 Environmental Towards a Sustainable Future

Flooding The Environment Agency have identiﬁ ed further work within Todmorden to attempt to better manage the ﬂ ood risk in the town, in particular the risk posed by rising levels in Walsen Water. This work includes:

• The construction of new ﬂ ood defence walls along Walsden Water from Shade Primary School to the Morrisons supermarket.

• Making changes to structures in and over the river between Shade Primary School and Todmorden Market to help water in the river channel ﬂ ow better.

• This work will have impacts on the environment and local wildlife around the affected areas and the Environment Agency have identiﬁ ed a number of opportunities as part of the plan that may actually have positive effects on the areas that surround the Todmorden site. These include:

• The replanting of a pocket park close to Salford Way and a number of other derelict sites along the river by Incredible Edible Todmorden.

• The installation of new hibernation bat boxes close to Laneside Street and bird boxes outside the Shade Junior and Infant School.

Renewables In order to promote Todmorden and the Upper Calder Valley as a sustainable location for living and working, it is important to encourage and increase the use of renewable energy and technologies, ultimately helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the town.

This should be achieved through a community-led approach, with wind power schemes tailored to the concerns of Todmorden’s residents, with proﬁ ts returned into community projects. Other renewable technologies, such as solar power, should also be promoted to local residents, particularly low income households who should receive additional support to fund the installation of these technologies.

Where possible, developers should be encouraged to consider green technologies as part of any new developments within the town, taking advantage of current governmental schemes such as ‘Feed-in-Tariffs’ and the ‘Renewable Heat Incentive’.

• A community-led wind farm will have been installed locally, generating a continual proﬁ t for the the social, economic and environmental regeneration of the local community; and

• A community-wide renewable energy strategy has been adopted, encouraging developers, residents, farmers and landowners to adopt green energy technologies in Todmorden.

21 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.4 Business and Industry Key issues and challenges

Todmorden became an important textile manufacturing town during the Industrial Revolution, with ‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings: its former prosperity now reﬂ ected in many prestigious and architecturally attractive nineteenth century civic and religious buildings within the town; many of which were built by the Fielden • More jobs for young people family who owned and ran the textile manufacturing industry in Todmorden. • Help and support is needed for small businesses The decline of the textile industry during the mid-twentieth century, however, witnessed the population of Todmorden decrease from around 30,000 to approximately 15,000, largely as a • Business rates are too high result of the town’s struggle to adapt to a changing industrial landscape from a high reliance upon manufacturing.

Todmorden’s local economy and business is now predominantly focused on local retail facilities and services, serving the relatively large rural catchment area of Todmorden, Walsden, Portsmouth and Cornholme. Whilst there is a relatively successful indoor and outdoor market, which is considered an important focal point for the retail offer of the town, many small independent shops are struggling to survive in difﬁ cult economic conditions.

Other industries contributing to the local economy include a modest tourism offer, which has potential for growth but is so far reliant upon ‘daytrippers’, and a number of small, ﬂ edgling creative businesses.

• High reliance upon manufacturing making the area vulnerable to predicted reductions in these jobs in the future;

• Todmorden town centre retail offer has performed poorly compared to other towns nationally;

• An underperforming tourist sector, given the historical and natural assets of Todmorden and the relative success of the neighbouring Hebden Bridge;

• Lack of suitable units for small and medium-sized businesses; and

• Broadband provision and connectivity in need of modernisation.

22 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.4 Business and Industry

Towards a Sustainable Future

If Todmorden is to match its future employment prospects with proposals to make it a ‘Principal Town’, which will substantially grow the population in line with the core strategy approach of the emerging Calderdale Local Development Framework, it is essential that new business and industry can be encouraged and attracted to the town.

It is hoped that this might be achieved through promoting the ‘quality of life’ available in Todmorden, making the town more attractive as a place to both live and work. This new push for business will be concentrated on specialist retail, creative and digital industries, and tourism, providing Todmorden with a modern economy which better reﬂ ects its location, heritage and ‘liveability’ assets.

Whilst there are many ways that this might be achieved, schemes such as ‘Totally Locally Calderdale’, which supports local producers and services, provide a good example of how a strategic approach can help to encourage a more sustainable local economy.

• Todmorden will be recognised as a centre of heritage, tourism and digital industries;

• There will be an enhanced shopping and leisure experience in the town;

• Todmorden will consistently attract both business and workers in recognition of its ‘quality of life’ and ‘quality of place’;

• There will be more opportunities for local people to work locally, rather than serving as a commuter town to nearby cities; and

• A modernised broadband offer, as well as an improved business unit provision and transport system, will fully support and meet the needs of the local economy.

23 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.5 Transport Key issues and challenges

‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings: Highways and Parking Whilst vehicular fl ows on the A646 and A6033 corridors are not currently excessively high, the • There are no trains to Burnley narrow carriageway width and mini-roundabout junction between the two major routes can often lead to traffi c congestion during peak hours, and these traffi c volumes are forecast to increase • Todmorden needs better train and bus connections by nearly a fi fth by 2025. Short-term parking is generally cheap and freely available within Todmorden, which arguably promotes local and regional car journeys. • Improve the bus station

Public Transport • Services are needed at the train station, ie toilets and left luggage Provision for rail travel from Todmorden is generally good, with relatively frequent services to Manchester, Leeds and other local towns. There is, however, no direct line connecting • There is a lack of access for disabled people at the train station Todmorden with Burnley, limiting travel between these two areas. The geographical location of Todmorden also highlights cross-boundary ticketing issues, particularly for journeys between • Bus times need to be revised, ie buses available around school pick up time Todmorden, in West Yorkshire, and locations in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, where travel is not as heavily subsidised. • Bus fares are expensive

Whilst Todmorden has good rail connections with local towns and regional cities in the area, the • There is no working clock at the bus station town is relatively poorly served in terms of numbers of bus services, with less than 5 services running along the main A646 corridor towards Halifax and the A6033 corridor towards Manchester during peak hours. In addition, consultation with the local community has highlighted excessive ticket prices and poor timetabling as a barrier to improved bus patronage levels.

Walking and Cycling The existing linkages between important local facilities in the town are poor, failing to suitably reﬂ ect desire lines and provide safe crossing points at key junctions. Todmorden’s retail centre, Bramsche Square, is also dominated by car parking and does not currently provide for a pedestrian-friendly environment. In addition, there is currently a severe lack of cycle lanes and advanced stop lanes within, as well as minimal provision for cycle parking, and cycling suffers as an alternative mode of travel as a result.

• Congested primary road network with a dominance in private car travel and HGV vehicles;

• Minimal bus provision in the area and poor rail connectivity between Todmorden and Burnley;

• Lack of appropriate pedestrian crossing facilities and pedestrianised areas; and

• Poor facilities and provision for cyclists.

24 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.5 Transport

Towards a Sustainable Future

Further development within Todmorden, as well as potential population growth within the town, will require improved public transport provision in order to mitigate the effect on the local highway network, which already has a limited capacity resulting from the topography and character of the area.

Whilst it is important to provide for private car travel and parking in order to ensure Todmorden remains an accessible place to visit and work, it is also necessary to manage this demand and promote more sustainable methods of travel as a viable alternative.

• Bramsche Square will have a reduced number of long-term parking spaces. It will also be a shared-use space where pedestrians and trafﬁ c interact safely with ‘quality of life’ a priority. A shared- use surface will also allow for an easier transition for pedestrian-only public events;

• Local bus services and facilities will be improved to reﬂ ect Todmorden’s increased population and role as a ‘Principal Town’ for the Upper Calder Valley area, including improved scheduling and stopping locations, as well as a modernised bus station with real-time information;

• The ‘Burnley Curve’ will have been reinstated, providing a much improved connection between Todmorden and regional towns and cities to the north-west, including Burnley and Blackburn;

• Signalised pedestrian crossings will be located in key central areas, to reﬂ ect pedestrian desire lines and make Todmorden a more pedestrian-friendly town, improving the overall tourism and shopping experience; and

• Improved cycling parking facilities will be installed in key locations, encouraging the use of cycling for commuting as well as recreational purposes.

25 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.6 Housing Key issues and challenges

‘What’s Bugging You’ Key Findings:

• Lack of affordable housing to buy and rent

As many of the properties in Todmorden were built in the late 19th century, many have a poor energy effi ciency • Too many empty houses rating and require improvement work so that they meet the governments’ decent homes standard. Attention must therefore be paid to the effective maintenance and refurbishment of the current housing stock in Todmorden. To • Need to provide adequate transport network for any new houses built tackle this problem, the completion of a survey of housing provision of all kinds in Todmorden would to help guide future housing need within the town and facilitate a successful project to carry out effective improvements to • Meeting the balance between employment and new housing existing homes. In order to make similar improvements to private rented accommodation a landlord’s accreditation scheme could also be explored to encourage and promote good standards of privately rented accommodation. • Ensure that Pennine 2000 properties and gardens are maintained to a high standard In 2011 over 200 properties in the Todmorden area were recorded having been empty for more than 6 months (Core Strategy, Calderdale council, LDF). This is a major concern for people living in Todmorden who recognise • Ensure that any new developments take into account the local infrastructure the signifi cant housing need within the town and also the negative impact that empty houses can have on the local community. A coordinated approach with local housing providers and Calderdale Council must therefore be • Physical and environmental constraints are considered, including potential pursued to attempt to bring these properties back into use for local people. fl ood risk

A report produce by Calderdale Forward (http://www.calderdaleforward.org.uk/theme_delivery.htm) suggests that there is a legacy of housing sited within incompatible industrial or commercial land uses in the wider Calderdale region and within Todmorden. This mix of housing and industrial or commercial land uses can result in trafﬁ c, amenity or environmental problems for local residents who may be negatively affected by these other uses. The Calderdale UDP (2006) highlights measures to prevent this happening within future housing developments in the region by creating deﬁ ned Primary Housing Areas (PHAs) which separate incompatible land uses and housing effectively.

The Calderdale UDP (2006) writes that the location of any new housing development in the region must also take into account the provision of local services and infrastructure and that surrounding physical and environmental constraints including ﬂ ood risks are considered. These themes are particularly pertinent in Todmorden which has a long history of ﬂ ooding from the River Calder and Walsden Water (Environment Agency).

26 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 6.6 Housing

Towards a Sustainable Future

For Todmorden to meet with the objectives outlined by Calderdale Forward relating to current and future housing need it appears necessary for the levels of available good quality affordable homes, in particular housing which his socially-rented housing and offered through low cost home ownership schemes, must be reviewed and ultimately increased. The creation of healthy, inclusive and mixed communities will also be dependent on attempts to ensure that existing and new stock is sustainable and more energy efﬁ cient. The actions outlined below will contribute towards achieving these goals and have been divided into strategic and tactical, shorter term, goals:

Tactical actions

• Undertake a survey of housing provision of all kinds in Todmorden to help guide future housing needs within the town. • Open a new ofﬁ ce for Pennine 2000 staff to operate from to serve people in Todmorden or set-up a stall in the market or other venue to provide regular surgeries. • Increase partnership work with Pennine 2000 to develop the Incredible Edible project across their housing estates to ensure that social housing residents are able to use their outside space effectively to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This could include offering their tenants starter packs of seeds, plants and compost and make use of available gardening space such as balconies and windowsills. • Create edible estates on Pennine 2000 stock where all public space is utilised to grow fruit and vegetables.

Strategic actions

• Carry out an audit of all homes and properties in Todmorden and instigate a strategy of energy effi ciency improvements. • Aim to provide more affordable housing including socially-rented housing and properties offered through low cost home ownership schemes. • Follow the model created by Pennine 2000 to create more carbon neutral homes within the town. • Carry out improvement and maintenance work to current properties in Todmorden to ensure that more meet the Government’s decent homes standard and higher energy effi ciency ratings. • Introduce a landlord’s accreditation scheme to encourage and promote good standards of privately rented accommodation. • Explore potential for housing building on land between Cross Lee Road and Ashenhurst Road (identifi ed in UDP). • Ensure that new housing developments include a mix of house types and sizes, including affordable housing and of uses, most commonly employment and housing where appropriate. • Ensure that housing is built in suitable locations, taking into account environmental issues, local service provision and previous land uses. • Increase amount of housing provision by 20% or 1900 between now and 2026 while enhancing the role of Todmorden within the region (Core Strategy, refi ned issues and objectives, 2011).

27 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.0 Key sites for Development Opportunities

Key 11-- RRoseose StreetStreet Site:Site: TThishis ssiteite iiss iimportantmportant inin termsterms ofof itsits rrelationshipelationship withwith BramscheBramsche Square.Square. TheThe sitesite mustmust offeroffer anan attractiveattractive andand livelylively newnew fronfrontage.tage. TheThe sitesite previouslypreviously hhadad a proposalproposal ofof buildingbuilding anan EnterpriseEnterprise Centre.Centre. ItIt isis notednoted thatthat ifif therethere werewere a newnew buildingbuilding toto bebe constructedconstructed onon thisthis sitesite it sshouldhould bebe nono moremore thanthan 3-43-4 storeysstoreys inin heightheight toto ccomplementomplement thethe scalescale ofof TheThe MethodistMethodist Chapel.Chapel. 22-- HHalifaxalifax RoadRoad SitesSites andand 3-3- HalifaxHalifax RoadRoad Site:Site: IItt hhasas bbeeneen recognisedrecognised thatthat TheThe newnew HealthHealth CentreCentre hashas ledled toto a reductionreduction inin thethe overalloverall walkabilitywalkability ofof thethe centralcentral areaarea asas ppeopleeople cancan nownow visitvisit thethe Doctor’sDoctor’s withoutwithout comingcoming inin thethe towntown centre.centre. ThereforeTherefore itit isis notednoted thatthat therethere isis a needneed toto improveimprove thethe linkageslinkages betweenbetween TheThe HealthHealth CentreCentre andand thethe restrest ooff tthehe ttown.own. IItt iiss ssuggesteduggested tthathat tthehe rremainingemaining sitessites shouldshould bebe developeddeveloped byby a largelarge supermarketsupermarket chain,chain, thisthis waswas highlyhighly opposedopposed. OOtherther oopportunitiespportunities includeinclude TheThe enhancementenhancement aandnd redevelopmentredevelopment ofof thethe existingexisting BaltimoreBaltimore MarinaMarina withwith a canalsidecanalside hotel,hotel, chandlerychandlery andand otherother water-basedwater-based facilities.facilities. 44-- BBurnleyurnley RoadRoad Sites:Sites: TThishis ssiteite hhasas previouslypreviously beenbeen refusedrefused planningplanning permissionpermission forfor a supermarket,supermarket, becausebecause theirtheir areare issuesissues intointo whetherwhether itit wouldwould brbringing moremore peoplepeople intointo tthehe towntown centrecentre andand whetherwhether itit wouldwould impactimpact locallocal retailers.retailers. TheThe sitesite hashas recentlyrecently beenbeen addedadded intointo TodmordenTodmorden ConservationConservation Area.Area.

28 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.1 Bramsche Square

Key Issues Our Vision • The square is largely dominated Bramsche Square is dominated by its car park and by the car park and associated As the central town centre location for retail and does not currently provide a suitable environment A revitalised town centre ‘square’ bounded trafﬁ c, creating a poor environment tourism, the square needs to become a ‘people place’, for pedestrians and shoppers. by redeveloped retail units on Rose Street for pedestrians. and Brook Street, and occupied by a mix with pedestrianised areas used for outdoor cafe space of local and national stores. and community events. • A number of buildings surrounding the square, particularly on Rose A pedestrian-friendly environment Street and Brook Street, are facilitated by a shared-use surface either unoccupied or currently where car trafﬁ c and pedestrians interact used by undesirable tenants, safely and whereby ‘quality of place’ is considering its central location prioritised. within the town. A public realm space which can be easily • Bramsche Square provides transformed for community and civic the most suitable location for a events, including an annual ‘Incredible retail and cultural ‘hub’ within Edible’ festival. Todmorden, but lacks the appropriate built environment to A relaxed yet bustling atmosphere, achieve this. An international festival held on Bramsche whereby cafes and restaurants provide The square should also be surrounded by attractive Square highlights the inadequate surroundings for indoor and outdoor space which can buildings that are occupied by retail, cafe and restaurant community events and pedestrians. be utilised and enjoyed by locals and units, providing a suitable focal point for the town. tourists.

29 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.1 Bramsche Square - The Market

Key Issues

• The indoor market is in clear need of modernisation and investment.

• The occupancy of the outdoor market stalls have fallen recently.

• Current parking measures are inadequate, with prohibitive charges and undesirable arrangements for stallholders and shoppers.

• The outdoor space behind the indoor market facing the canal is currently unused despite its attractive and peaceful environment.

Any proposals for revitalising the markets should include an outdoor cafe space by the canal for both locals and visitors.

Our Vision

• A cosmetically enhanced indoor market with direct access to a new outdoor cafe space overlooking the river.

• An outdoor market with a renowned reputation for locally produced goods, attracting local shoppers and visitors.

• An improved layout with short-term parking to encourage shoppers and long-term parking to meet the needs of Despite the relative success of Todmorden market, it is traders. felt that more can be done to improve upon its key assets of local produce, character and heritage.

30 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.2 Halifax Road Gateway business park

Halifax Road Gateway Business Park The empty Halifax Road site is positioned alongside the Halifax Road (A646), one of the most important gateways into Todmorden and a successful development on the site could have a “positive impact on the vitality, image and amenity of the Todmorden area” (Halifax Road Development Brief). The site has excellent transport links via its close proximity to the Halifax road, Todmorden’s main train station and the potential for sustainable transport along the Rochdale canal. It also represents a very attractive site for development due to the limited available fl at or accessible sites in other towns within the Calderdale region. Our vision for the Halifax Road Gateway site is the creation of a mixed-use community-based business campus which maximises the employment potential for the site, creating a vibrant and welcoming location for a wide range of people to meet, mix, work and play. Development on the campus will include high quality, modern, attractive and energy effi cient and include offi ces, studio spaces and areas for light manufacturing alongside housing, including socially-rented housing and properties offered through low cost home ownership schemes, and suitable shopping and leisure opportunities. We hope to reduce the environmental impact of buildings on the site through built-in energy saving features, and by encouraging users of the building to reuse, recycle and take advantage of Todmorden’s excellent public transport routes whenever possible. We envisage a strong hierarchy of communication arteries across the park encouraging pedestrian and cycle access while also acknowledging the need to provide access to cars and industrial vehicles to service the businesses on site. Any development must also take advantage of the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the link to the picturesque canal towpath. We hope that the development of the campus will attract new modern businesses to Todmorden including those involved in the creative and digital industries and specialist light manufacturing. The campus will also feature a series of sculptures and locally produced public art works, connected by a footpath trail and opportunities for Incredible Edible to grow fruit and vegetables throughout the site. Our hope therefore is for the Halifax Road site to thrive through the ideas and activities of the people who use it, creating an iconic working and living space for Todmorden as the town establishes itself as a principal town within the Calderdale region.

31 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.4 Burnley Road

Todmorden Dance school and Theatre school

Todmorden Dance and Theatre school will provide the opportunity for all ages to enjoy dance and theatre. It will re use an existing building, although will need to extend towards the back of the site, away from Burnley Road. This site is chosen because of its close proximity the Centre Vale Park and the Sports Centre. The site will be able to use the advantages of the park for possible outdoor performances and training. The school will become part of the Calderdale Dance company.

Incredible Edible World Centre

A Incredible Edible centre will encourage and involve the community into making Todmorden a ‘Incredible Institute’, which will in turn promote sustainability. The centre will house a head ofﬁ ce for the volunteers of Incredible Edible, which is based on Halifax Road, a site that was previously planned to be used as a supermarket. The space will allow beds for vegetation and will provide visitors with a tour and visitor shop. Visitors will be able to coming into the town along Halifax Road will be introduced into Incredible Edible either by passing or parking and visiting. This means that Todmorden will become a world leader in sustainable practice. The centre will act as the beginning and end of the Todmorden Green Route, which houses bee hives vertical gardens, bird nests and bug hotels.

32 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.5 Additional Ideas for the Future

Green Route The proposed green walking route around Todmorden follows a walkable trail around the town concentrating on sections of the railway line, river and canal. The green route will link some of Todmorden’s most important sites and buildings in Todmorden and help to reinvigorate the market, encouraging more local people and visitors to shop there. It will also hopefully include innovative vertical and rooftop edible gardens, growing centres which show off the, fruit and vegetables grown around the town, include exciting public art along the route and help to teach local young people how we can grow our own food. The green route has already received the support of local people, market traders and members of Todmorden Town Council through early public discussion. The green corridor will also link Todmorden with the Co-operative’s plans to create a series of “Bee Roads” across the country to act as food-rich routes for bees through the creation of wildfl ower meadows with species such as Lesser Knapweed, Field Scabious, Birdsfoot Trefoil and Red Clover. The Plan Bee campaign has £750,000 worth of funding and over 300,000 packets of wildfl ower seeds associated to it which we hope to access in order to help fi nance the creation of Todmorden’s green route.

Empty shop initiative We hope that the success of the Halifax Road site will also ﬁ lter out into other areas of Todmorden and invigorate some of the empty shops throughout the town. We have identiﬁ ed a number of means by which these empty shops may be brought back into use and this will require an integrated approach, combining efforts with Calderdale council, local businesses and local people.

• Temporary art galleries • Incredible edible shop • Training and education centre • Farm shop • Design shops or workshops which encourage new art and design graduates to take up short term affordable leases

We have identiﬁ ed a number of funding opportunities to help tackle the problems associated with empty shops in Todmorden including the Towns-4-Towns Exchange Fund and the British Arts council.

33 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 7.5 Innovative Ideas for the Future

Attractive Streets - Trees

Local Branding and produce

Giant Vegetable/fruit Sculptures Todmorden Town Carnival 34 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 8.0 Governance and funding

35 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden 9.0 A day in the life of...... Jack Jarman 15.7.2030

The sunshine beams through Jack’s window as he makes his way into his kitchen to make himself his morning Todmorden cappuccino and Todmorden Honey on toast. As he prepares himself for a full day he visits his bee garden just outside of his house, as he investigates he notices some students from his Young Art class pass by holding their Incredible Edible bag. They ask him if he is going to watch their performance tomorrow night, from the Dance school, which will be held in Incredible Edible Centre. Jack agrees and sets off on his 10 minute walk down to Centre Vale Park, to make use of the free time he has to paint some pictures to mark the progress of the sculpture trial.

After spending time admiring the sculptures, he is reminded of the Vegetable sculptures that are placed around the town, and has a quick giggle at the interest visitors have to them, especially when they stand next to them and take photos. He realises the Town is much more lively now the Incredible Edible Centre is open and decides to venture down to the knowledge wall to pick some fruit for a quick snack.

He then walks to meet his fellow artists in the Art Gallery at the Train station to discuss what they wish to have for Tea after they visit the cinema. After deciding, Jack walks down to the Market which is buzzing with interest because it is only a few days before the Todmorden Food Tour. The Tour has become highly successful especially now that Todmorden is known as the town for Sustainability. He ﬁ nds crossing over from the market to the local pub for his Todmorden Beer extremely easy, as there is hardly any trafﬁ c because people now use the Green Route to make their way around the town.

After refreshing himself at home, he returns to Bramsche Square where an outdoor cinema screening is taking place. He meets his friends and enjoys a peaceful screening before returning to his house where his wife has been preparing the Local produce that Jack previously got from the market. As part of the TTA, Town Twinning Association, Jack has volunteered his house to be used by three people from Ronque, Todmorden’s Twin Town. It isn’t the ﬁ rst time he has done this, due to the success of the TTA he has welcomed people over for three years now. Of course he has been to both twin towns himself.

He prepares his bag for his day the next day where he is taking a few visitors around Todmorden Moor as part of a orienteering exercise which he does with his son. Jack has never felt so young and happy.

36 A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden Bibliography

1.0, 1 , McDonald S, Malys N, Maliene V (2009). “Urban regeneration for sustainable communities: a case study”. Technologic and Economic Development of Economy 15 (1): 49-59.

6.0, 13, Todmorden News, Sun 3 April 2011, available at www.todmordennews.co.uk/ http://www.upmystreet.com/local/crime-in-Todmorden.html

Town council minutes, 19th Jan 2022 www.visittodmorden.co.uk

Calderdale Local Development Framework, Have your say in the future development of Todmorden, Todmorden Area

Calderdale Council,. Todmorden Conservation Area, Character Appraisal April 2008

Calderdale Council, Replacement Calderdale UDP, Adopted 25 August 2006 (as amended August 2009) - Additional Housing - Rural Diversiﬁ cation - Public Transport - The Area Around Todmorden

Calderdale Council, Area Proﬁ les, Todmorden Area

Calderdale Council, Statement of Community Involvement, Consultation on Development Plan Documents

Todmorden Town Hall, Development Brief

Calderdale Council, Todmorden Ward Proﬁ le, 2004

Todmorden Town Centre: Renaissance Project

Calderdale Council, Todmorden Town Centre Development Brief, 19 December 2008

Safer and Stronger Communities Panel, Work Plan 2010-11

Safer and Stronger Communities Panel Scrutiny Panel, 23rd September 2010

Safer and Stronger Communities Panel Scrutiny Panel, 14th October 2010

Calderdale’s Strategic Assessment Partnership Plan for Safer and Stronger Communities 2011-12

A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden Sites of Interest

www.todmordenlist.com/news/developing-tourism-in-todmorden www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/blogs/calderdale-tourism-conference www.todmordenpride.org.uk/ todmordenmoor.org.uk/index.html www.yorkshire.com/destinations/pennine-yorkshire/todmorden www.pitchero.com/clubs/todmordensportscentrejfc/ www.todmordennews.co.uk/

A Sustainable Vision for Todmorden