Corporate Plan

The difference we want to make

Our distinctive heritage, landscape, creativity and mix of strong market towns will be our unique selling point. This will help boost economic growth and tourism, create job and learning opportunities, and make people proud to live, work, study and do business in Calderdale.

We want our economy to be inclusive. This means everyone will be able to contribute to and benefit from it, in places that inspire them to be more active, feel safe, develop and age well, and invest.

We will attract and retain talent and wealth here. By doing so, we will increase business innovation, enterprise and investment and create good work for all.

Context

Calderdale’s economy is home to a strong advanced manufacturing base that continues to innovate today, a growing tourism and services sector, significant financial services firms such as Covéa Insurance and Lloyds Banking Group, and vibrant creative industries.

Our entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in a rate of business growth more than double the national average, the highest rate of business start-ups in West Yorkshire and business survival rates higher than both the West Yorkshire and national averages.

How we will make a difference

Public spaces and facilities

• Progress the unprecedented levels of investment into major capital and infrastructure projects to grow the economy, create well-connected places and encourage people to travel actively and sustainably:
  • The £11 million Corridor Improvement Programme in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, a new public square in Sowerby Bridge and a better welcome for canal boats in the lock.
  • The £17.5 million and £19.1 million Towns Fund investments in Todmorden and Brighouse, which will develop green and attractive spaces, increase walking and cycling and boost business.
  • The A629 Phase 2 project to improve Halifax town centre, reducing traffic, making it easier to walk around and connecting it better with nearby homes.
  • The Future High Streets Fund investments in Halifax and Elland, celebrating the towns’ heritage and encouraging local people and visitors to spend more time there.
  • The planned new state-of-the-art Levelling Up-funded Halifax Leisure Centre.
  • The North Halifax Strategy to transform the area and make life better for local people, working with them to reduce inequalities in health, education, employment and access to services.
• Build on Calderdale’s amazing Year of Culture 2024. We will put in place a legacy development programme for the culture, heritage and community sport sectors, focusing on resilience, sustainability and data intelligence to attract inward investment, diversify the sector, increase community engagement, grow the creative/ cultural industries and boost tourism.
• Work on the School Rebuilding Programme with the Department for Education, schools and the community between 2024 and 2030 to transform 11 schools in the Upper Calder Valley.

Business

• Progress the establishment of new investment and employment sites in line with the Local Plan, creating skilled job opportunities for local communities.
• Support small and medium enterprises to bid for and win contracts through local procurement opportunities, including strengthening their position in local supply chains.
• Continue to provide start-up support for entrepreneurs looking to get a new venture off the ground, and growth programmes for businesses ready to expand, including business advice, mentoring, and grant support.

Feeling safe

• Finalise and implement our Building Stronger Communities Strategic Framework.
• Working with the Police and other partner organisations, we will deliver on our new Domestic Abuse Strategy action plan and implement the ‘Jog On’ initiative as part of our response to issues around violence against women and girls.

Being connected

• Make it safer, easier and more appealing for people to walk and cycle for recreation and commuting. We are investing in improvements across the borough, and promoting our unique walking routes such as the stunning Calderdale and Pennine Ways, and the longest continuous climb in England at Cragg Vale.
• Help to improve bus services. Moving ahead with bus franchising, in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will create a more modern bus network, more reliable bus services and better information and ticketing for passengers.
• Encourage more people to use trains by continuing to work with Rochdale through our Community Rail Partnership. This includes lobbying for more investment in, and electrification of, the Calder Valley rail line, to achieve the sustainable movement of people and goods, and increasing inward investment and tourism. The delivery of Elland Rail Station is critical to connect communities.

Housing delivery

• Unlock the delivery of 241 new homes through the North Halifax Transformation Programme, creating a range of housing options and green and open spaces.
• Work with local and national housebuilders and housing associations. We will focus on providing much-needed affordable, age-friendly, specialist and adaptable homes, including the South East Calderdale Garden Communities.

How we will measure success