Goal 1: North Halifax will be more accessible for everyone
What we will change
- Walking, wheeling and cycling is a genuine alternative and effective mode of transport.
- Everyone can access shops and amenities, and people do not need to travel outside of North Halifax for essentials.
- Bus services are more reliable, frequent and convenient.
How we will do it
- Working with local people to identify improvements that can make streets safer for walking, wheeling and cycling.
- Creating new greenway connections linking key transport hubs, schools, and services.
- Launching a marketing campaign to highlight the health, environmental, and community benefits of active travel.
- Organising community events, such as bike rides or walking groups, to encourage community participation.
- Supporting aspirations for a new supermarket or community shop in Mixenden, along with an affordable delivery service for essential groceries.
- Working with transport authorities to improve local bus services. Advocating for routes that connect residents to key destinations within North Halifax and beyond.
- Investigating the potential for a hyperlocal transport solution within North Halifax.
Why it is a priority
Accessibility and poor transport connections have emerged as significant challenges for residents. Improving infrastructure is seen as a way to create a more inclusive community. This helps alleviate dependence on cars and improve the environment and quality of life for residents.
In North Halifax, most essential services are often located a bus or car journey away. Including grocery shopping, employment, and public services. This poses a barrier for those without access to a vehicle.
Limited access to affordable, healthy food options further burdens residents, increasing both shopping costs and inconvenience.
Public transport reliance is high, yet travelling within North Halifax can be cumbersome, often requiring trips via Halifax town centre. The area's challenging topography poses additional obstacles for individuals with mobility issues, exacerbating feelings of isolation.
“If you drive life is easier but many residents do not have access to a car.”
Evidence base
- 24.5% of people in North Halifax and 39.3% of older people have a long term health problem or disability which limits activities.
How we will access progress
- Number of people travelling actively.
- Usual mode of travel to school.
Case study
Reviving Beechwood Park - A community project for youth engagement and intergenerational harmony
A six-week social action project aimed to inspire young people and create a safe, enjoyable environment in Beechwood Park. This is a popular spot for families and dog walkers. However, the park faced vandalism issues, especially at Holmfield Bowling Club. The club serves older members who rely on the facilities as a place to meet and be active.
To address this, Newground Together, the Bowling Club, and North Halifax Partnership joined up on a project fostering intergenerational respect. There was funding from Active Calderdale and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
63 children participated in educational sessions on the impact of antisocial behaviour. Families engaged in park maintenance activities like litter picking and gardening, and restoration work.
As they took ownership, the young people began to appreciate the bowling green, even showing an interest in playing themselves. The club introduced faster-paced games that the young people loved.
By summer’s end, the park improved significantly. There was no further reports of antisocial behaviour/. There was increased youth participation, and new bowling club members. Adults and young people began interacting positively in the park. Families started attending the bowling club together.
There are plans for an asset transfer, with volunteers ready to maintain the green year round. This project has established a foundation for ongoing collaboration between Holmfield Bowling Club and Newground. This promoted respect and active community involvement among youth.
Newground Together is a charity dedicated to improving lives and creating opportunities within communities. They provide essential open access youth services. They support individuals of all ages to get into employment or back to work.
Their team runs youth clubs and outreach programmes in Mixenden and Ovenden. This ensures young people in North Halifax have safe spaces. This is to connect with friends and access early help and support from trusted, experienced workers.
This project underscores the importance of community-led services for young people. Newground is also spearheading the development of a Calderdale Youth Collective. As well as a framework for delivering high-quality, sustainable youth services throughout Calderdale.