A GUIDE TO INTERCONNECTINGTHE TWO PLACES OF SOWERBYBRIDGE AND COPLEY VALLEY BY THELOCAL COMMUNITY OF THE AREATHINKING ABOUT HOW THEY WANTTO LIVE WORK AND PLAYAND EMBRACE ART AND NATURETO CREATE A NEW PLACE AT THEHEART OF THE COMMUNITY

2008/09

INTERCONNECTIONSINTERCONNECTIONS

We would like to thank

All the local residents who took partPupils and teachers from Bolton Brow Primary School & Copley Primary SchoolYoung people and staff from the Sowerby Bridge Youth GroupNorman Lane, Sowerby Bridge Community ForumRev James Allison, UCVRLindsay SmalesArtists Catherine Sweeney and Gillian BrentPoet James NashChris Snell, Play EnglandCalderdale CollegeDesign DefinitionAccess Moving ImageCalderdale CouncilYorkshire Forward

Contents

Introduction

Design

Identity

Play

Nature

Connectivity

Sustainability

Foreword

The Sowerby Bridge Copley Valley development opportunity is the largest regeneration

site in the Upper Calder Valley and aims to deliver significant employment and family

housing to the area. These are key components of the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance

Vision document produced following a 12 month consultation with local communities

as part of Yorkshire Forward’s groundbreaking Renaissance Market Towns programme.

Sowerby Bridge, along with its sister towns in the Upper Calder Valley, were the first

to sign up to this programme and this project is a fitting outcome of over six years

of partnership working.

The Council and Yorkshire Forward believe this flagship development will be a key

economic contributor not only to the Calderdale district, but also to the Leeds City

Region. It will open up the riverside and create a new mixed use quarter in the town

centre with high quality public realm, and improved pedestrian connectivity to the

railway station.

This publication, together with supporting DVD captures the outcomes of a wide

consultation programme that has encouraged the community’s involvement in the

future economic development of the Valley. The aspirations of the local community

voiced through that consultation have been shared with the selected developer

partner and will inform the master plan for the area as it is developed.

Both Yorkshire Forward and Calderdale Council look forward to seeing the successful

delivery of this exciting project.

Cllr Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Holder Regeneration & Development, Calderdale Council

Jan Anderson, Executive Director, Environment, Yorkshire Forward

Contents

Introduction

Design

Identity

Play

Nature

Connectivity

Sustainability

Foreword

The Sowerby Bridge Copley Valley development opportunity is the largest regeneration

site in the Upper Calder Valley and aims to deliver significant employment and family

housing to the area. These are key components of the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance

Vision document produced following a 12 month consultation with local communities

as part of Yorkshire Forward’s groundbreaking Renaissance Market Towns programme.

Sowerby Bridge, along with its sister towns in the Upper Calder Valley, were the first

to sign up to this programme and this project is a fitting outcome of over six years

of partnership working.

The Council and Yorkshire Forward believe this flagship development will be a key

economic contributor not only to the Calderdale district, but also to the Leeds City

Region. It will open up the riverside and create a new mixed use quarter in the town

centre with high quality public realm, and improved pedestrian connectivity to the

railway station.

This publication, together with supporting DVD captures the outcomes of a wide

consultation programme that has encouraged the community’s involvement in the

future economic development of the Valley. The aspirations of the local community

voiced through that consultation have been shared with the selected developer

partner and will inform the master plan for the area as it is developed.

Both Yorkshire Forward and Calderdale Council look forward to seeing the successful

delivery of this exciting project.

Cllr Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Holder Regeneration & Development, Calderdale Council

Jan Anderson, Executive Director, Environment, Yorkshire Forward

Introduction

Interconnections engaged the local communityin generating design ideas for the Sowerby CopleyTransformational Project.

Visioning workshops and an Open Day were heldwith members of the local community focusingon the design of the public realm, gateways,bridges and public art. Inspirational sessions werealso delivered with two primary schools from thearea to explore the potential for designing anddeveloping playable spaces within the site andevening workshops were organised with the localyouth group that looked specifically at the needfor ‘hang out’ areas.

A local college was also involved in developingpotential proposals for a brand and identity forthe Sowerby Copley Transformational Project.

All ideas thatemerged from the

consultation work

were combined into

the following 6 key

themes:

DesignIdentityPlayNatureConnectivity

Sustainability

BL

OM

Pic

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etry

20

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Introduction

Interconnections engaged the local communityin generating design ideas for the Sowerby CopleyTransformational Project.

Visioning workshops and an Open Day were heldwith members of the local community focusingon the design of the public realm, gateways,bridges and public art. Inspirational sessions werealso delivered with two primary schools from thearea to explore the potential for designing anddeveloping playable spaces within the site andevening workshops were organised with the localyouth group that looked specifically at the needfor ‘hang out’ areas.

A local college was also involved in developingpotential proposals for a brand and identity forthe Sowerby Copley Transformational Project.

All ideas thatemerged from the

consultation work

were combined into

the following 6 key

themes:

DesignIdentityPlayNatureConnectivity

Sustainability

BL

OM

Pic

tom

etry

20

07

. © C

op

yrig

ht 2

00

6, P

icto

metry

Inte

rnatio

nal C

orp

.

2 3

2 3

4 5

4 5

Design should focus on making the naturalareas useable in terms of seating, lighting,safety, walkways, observational platformsetc, and enhancing the natural beauty of thesite.

New bridges, footbridges and gatewaysshould be visually and mentally stimulatingthe use of public art and help the communityto navigate the site.

The use of local and natural materials shouldbe explored, looking into where the materialshave come from, how they have been produced,how long they will last etc.

Keeping the local character of the area - sensitivedevelopment.

There is a desire for communal spaces whichengage all members of the community.The public realm must have character and be

representative of the area, with themes such ascarpet/textiles, using colours that suit thecontext, using recycled materials and naturalstone.

6 7

Design should focus on making the naturalareas useable in terms of seating, lighting,safety, walkways, observational platformsetc, and enhancing the natural beauty of thesite.

New bridges, footbridges and gatewaysshould be visually and mentally stimulatingthe use of public art and help the communityto navigate the site.

The use of local and natural materials shouldbe explored, looking into where the materialshave come from, how they have been produced,how long they will last etc.

Keeping the local character of the area - sensitivedevelopment.

There is a desire for communal spaces whichengage all members of the community.The public realm must have character and be

representative of the area, with themes such ascarpet/textiles, using colours that suit thecontext, using recycled materials and naturalstone.

6 7

Identity IdentityThis theme recognises that Sowerby Bridgeand Copley Valley are steeped in historyand that there is a local desire to build onthe existing heritage to help shape a newidentity for the development.

8 8

Identity IdentityThis theme recognises that Sowerby Bridgeand Copley Valley are steeped in historyand that there is a local desire to build onthe existing heritage to help shape a newidentity for the development.

8 8

Identity

LOCAL POEM

Wind The Bobbin Up

Wind the bobbin up

Wind the bobbin up

Pull, Pull, Clap, Clap, Clap

Point to ceiling

Point to the floor

Point to the window

Point to the door

Put your hands on your knee

Now you clap 1,2, 3

Wind the bobbin up

Wind the bobbin up

Local Spirit - Welcoming

Community Pride

Combination of old and new

Heritage

Wool and Textile

Industry

Standard wire work

s

Public Art which has a character

and is representative of the area

Railways, C

anal, River

Value local history

Chimneys, Mills, Wire Works

Local G

eography

10 11

Identity

LOCAL POEM

Wind The Bobbin Up

Wind the bobbin up

Wind the bobbin up

Pull, Pull, Clap, Clap, Clap

Point to ceiling

Point to the floor

Point to the window

Point to the door

Put your hands on your knee

Now you clap 1,2, 3

Wind the bobbin up

Wind the bobbin up

Local Spirit - Welcoming

Community Pride

Combination of old and new

Heritage

Wool and Textile

Industry

Standard wire work

s

Public Art which has a character

and is representative of the area

Railways, C

anal, River

Value local history

Chimneys, Mills, Wire Works

Local G

eography

10 11

IdentityContinuation of old and new - heritage and contemporary.

Local pride and spirit which makes them a strong community.

Encouragement of tourism would have socio-economic

benefits

Public art must have character and be representative of the

area.

People want to see improvements to their local environment

and facilities and want to have the opportunity to put forward

their views.

There could be a range of audiences andstakeholders for the new development, and theidentity of the new area needs to appeal to allof them. Any identity must embrace the heritage of the areawhilst still having an eye to the future, and referencelocal geography. Target markets for the new development could includelight industry and businesses, residents and tourists. People could engage with the new area and its facilitiesthrough the development of a brand for the project andthe development.

Key Points

Key Points12 13

IdentityContinuation of old and new - heritage and contemporary.

Local pride and spirit which makes them a strong community.

Encouragement of tourism would have socio-economic

benefits

Public art must have character and be representative of the

area.

People want to see improvements to their local environment

and facilities and want to have the opportunity to put forward

their views.

There could be a range of audiences andstakeholders for the new development, and theidentity of the new area needs to appeal to allof them. Any identity must embrace the heritage of the areawhilst still having an eye to the future, and referencelocal geography. Target markets for the new development could includelight industry and businesses, residents and tourists. People could engage with the new area and its facilitiesthrough the development of a brand for the project andthe development.

Key Points

Key Points

12 13

PlayThe children and young people had lots ofcreative ideas on how the environment inand around the new development shouldlook and feel. They hope that it will bedesigned with children and young peoplein mind as an important part of the futurecommunity.

14 15

PlayThe children and young people had lots ofcreative ideas on how the environment inand around the new development shouldlook and feel. They hope that it will bedesigned with children and young peoplein mind as an important part of the futurecommunity.

14 15

Somewhere

you

can use your

imagination

Skateboards

Future Comm

unity

Shelters

Hides and tree houses

Shelters and designated

graffiti walls

Less formalisedplayable spaces

Adventurous andthrilling activities

Som

ewhe

re to

chill

out t

oget

her

Climbing equipmentand ZIP wire

Canoeing, Basketball -

Sports Activities

Nat

ural

Mat

eria

ls

Cycle or

Hike Route

Creative Play

Versatile

16 17

Somewhere

you

can use your

imagination

Skateboards

Future Comm

unity

Shelters

Hides and tree houses

Shelters and designated

graffiti walls

Less formalisedplayable spaces

Adventurous andthrilling activities

Som

ewhe

re to

chill

out t

oget

her

Climbing equipmentand ZIP wire

Canoeing, Basketball -

Sports Activities

Nat

ural

Mat

eria

ls

Cycle or

Hike Route

Creative Play

Versatile

16 17

PlayKey Points

Site could include less formalised playablespaces with trees and other natural featuressuch as boulders, where children have thefreedom to build and play using naturaland found materials.

Due to the nature of the site the childrenfelt that a skateboard park could bedesigned to fit into the natural landscapewith grassy banks and soft outline formsrather than a hard edged urban concreteconstruction.

The children see the whole site as a naturalsetting and think that many of the built elementsin the playable spaces and nature reserve shouldbe made from natural materials such as woodand stone.

The majority of the children enjoyed active andcreative play and the development should aimto provide a range of adventurous and thrillingphysical activities which stretch their bodies andimaginations - keen for permanent and flexibleactivity based facilities.

Key Points18 19

PlayKey Points

Site could include less formalised playablespaces with trees and other natural featuressuch as boulders, where children have thefreedom to build and play using naturaland found materials.

Due to the nature of the site the childrenfelt that a skateboard park could bedesigned to fit into the natural landscapewith grassy banks and soft outline formsrather than a hard edged urban concreteconstruction.

The children see the whole site as a naturalsetting and think that many of the built elementsin the playable spaces and nature reserve shouldbe made from natural materials such as woodand stone.

The majority of the children enjoyed active andcreative play and the development should aimto provide a range of adventurous and thrillingphysical activities which stretch their bodies andimaginations - keen for permanent and flexibleactivity based facilities.

Key Points

18 19

Ideas relating to nature were mentionedby all stakeholder groups, in particularthe preservation and enhancement of thenatural environment.

20 21

Ideas relating to nature were mentionedby all stakeholder groups, in particularthe preservation and enhancement of thenatural environment.

20 21

FamilyEnjoyment

Enhance canals

Wildlife

Corridors

Provide awildlife habitat

NaturalWetlands

Public Art Trails

Accessible to walkers

22 23

FamilyEnjoyment

Enhance canals

Wildlife

Corridors

Provide awildlife habitat

NaturalWetlands

Public Art Trails

Accessible to walkers

22 23

Nature

Key Points

The nature reserve could incorporate a trail which should beeasily accessible to walkers and cyclists to be used as aplace for relaxation and leisure.

Providing a wildlife habitat – wildfife corridors, naturalwetlands.

Providing opportunities for learning e.g. public art trails,allotments, family enjoyment.

The development should beaccessible to walkers andshould be valued.

Entrances to the nature reserve could be marked by

gateway features or sculpture and interpretation boards

indicating what local species of wildlife can be found.

These would help everyone realise that the nature

reserve is a special place and should be respected as

such.

The community understand the value of the

environmental, ecological and educational benefits as

well as how it would be a place to escape from modern

urban life.

Key Points

24 25

Nature

Key Points

The nature reserve could incorporate a trail which should beeasily accessible to walkers and cyclists to be used as aplace for relaxation and leisure.

Providing a wildlife habitat – wildfife corridors, naturalwetlands.

Providing opportunities for learning e.g. public art trails,allotments, family enjoyment.

The development should beaccessible to walkers andshould be valued.

Entrances to the nature reserve could be marked by

gateway features or sculpture and interpretation boards

indicating what local species of wildlife can be found.

These would help everyone realise that the nature

reserve is a special place and should be respected as

such.

The community understand the value of the

environmental, ecological and educational benefits as

well as how it would be a place to escape from modern

urban life.

Key Points

24 25

ConnectivityThere is a need to improve physicalconnections between Sowerby Bridgeand Copley Valley and develop strongerlinks to the Upper Calder Valleyrenaissance initiative.

26 27

ConnectivityThere is a need to improve physicalconnections between Sowerby Bridgeand Copley Valley and develop strongerlinks to the Upper Calder Valleyrenaissance initiative.

26 27

develop stronger links to theValley wide renaissanceinitiative

Gor

geou

s vi

ews

AttractVisitorsDestinationSafe, Well

Lit Routes

More cycle pathsnext to the river

wayfinding tools

Trail –movement

throughthe space

Trail - Follow the river, canalcycle tracks. Along the way findinformation, images and storiesin unexpected places.Educational andWayfinding tool.

28 29

Connectivity

Due to the nature of the site and its position in

relation to Copley and Sowerby Bridge an

important part of the planning for the new

development would be to create safe, traffic free

routes along and across the valley, linking the

residential and play areas, canal, river and nature

reserve with the local schools and shops.

The plans for the site should create better access

to the rivers and canals and should have an

interesting sense of 'walkability'.

It would be highly desirable to have safe, well lit routes asan alternative to Wakefield Road which children and youngpeople living in the new residential development could useto walk or cycle to school, Sowerby Bridge and otherdestinations.

Young people want places where they can cycle safely forpleasure.

The site could be developed to attract more visitors to thearea and could become a destination to visit with a cafe/outdoor spaces/ art spectacle/ play areas and water features.

Key Points

Key Points

30 31

Connectivity

Due to the nature of the site and its position in

relation to Copley and Sowerby Bridge an

important part of the planning for the new

development would be to create safe, traffic free

routes along and across the valley, linking the

residential and play areas, canal, river and nature

reserve with the local schools and shops.

The plans for the site should create better access

to the rivers and canals and should have an

interesting sense of 'walkability'.

It would be highly desirable to have safe, well lit routes asan alternative to Wakefield Road which children and youngpeople living in the new residential development could useto walk or cycle to school, Sowerby Bridge and otherdestinations.

Young people want places where they can cycle safely forpleasure.

The site could be developed to attract more visitors to thearea and could become a destination to visit with a cafe/outdoor spaces/ art spectacle/ play areas and water features.

Key Points

Key Points

30 31

SustainabilityThe majority of participants had a goodunderstanding of environmental issuesand were keen to explore the sustainabilityof the developing site and community.

32 33

SustainabilityThe majority of participants had a goodunderstanding of environmental issuesand were keen to explore the sustainabilityof the developing site and community.

32 33

Cycle lane incorporating

the rivers edge.

The designs for

this scheme should

be unique,

environmentally

sustainable and

visionary

Preservation

and expansion

of nature

“Creative solutions which encourage radical new

ways of thinking by pushing the usual boundaries

can mean that the designs for this scheme

are unique, environmentally sustainable

and visual”

(Catherine Sweeney, Artist)

Concern about how the industrialunits will look from the valleyside. Potentially use:Low profile sedum roofsVertical gardensSolar panelsEco station and bike hireA ‘friends of…’ associationfor Nature reserve

Key Points

Eco Station to hire

bikes from

34 35

Cycle lane incorporating

the rivers edge.

The designs for

this scheme should

be unique,

environmentally

sustainable and

visionary

Preservation

and expansion

of nature

“Creative solutions which encourage radical new

ways of thinking by pushing the usual boundaries

can mean that the designs for this scheme

are unique, environmentally sustainable

and visual”

(Catherine Sweeney, Artist)

Concern about how the industrialunits will look from the valleyside. Potentially use:Low profile sedum roofsVertical gardensSolar panelsEco station and bike hireA ‘friends of…’ associationfor Nature reserve

Key Points

Eco Station to hire

bikes from

34 35

SustainabilitySustainable design and eco friendly –

incorporating visual aesthetics i.e. green roofs.

The designs for this scheme should be unique,

environmentally sustainable and visionary.

Preservation and expansion of nature.Local community participation – key to whole

process to create a sustainable community.

Creation of a ‘friends of’ association for the

nature reserve.

Key Points

ACCESS:

Prams

Pedestrian

Disabled

River

Bridges

Tourism

Recreation

Heritage Trail

36

37

SustainabilitySustainable design and eco friendly –

incorporating visual aesthetics i.e. green roofs.

The designs for this scheme should be unique,

environmentally sustainable and visionary.

Preservation and expansion of nature.Local community participation – key to whole

process to create a sustainable community.

Creation of a ‘friends of’ association for the

nature reserve.

Key Points

ACCESS:

Prams

Pedestrian

Disabled

River

Bridges

Tourism

Recreation

Heritage Trail

36

37

DvdBeam and Yorkshire Forwardcommissioned Access Moving Image toproduce two short films:

Interconnections:

contribution through

consultation. Documenting

the creative consultation

process.

What’s the story?An inside look at theSowerby BridgeCopley ValleyTransformationalProject. Providing aninsight into the widercommunity’s hopesand fears for thedevelopment.

Poem

Sowerby Bridge and Copley Valley

Take notice how near we are to the edge

Of open country, river, wood and field,

Between Copley village and Sowerby Bridge,

How soon the houses to nature yield;

And how much memory haunts and clings

To trees and grass, to breeze and river flow,

Down here where a blackbird full-hearted sings

In early morning amongst the dew.

And will that magic be augmented,

By the cries of children playing here?

As the days move on, let each one be granted

A life in this tapestry from year to year,

Holding the past, and yet endeavouring too,

To stitch in the future with threads of the new.

James Nash 2009

‘Thanks to all the folk from Copley and Sowerby Bridge who

shared their stories, memories and hopes and fears with me

to produce this poem. Your words were my threads.'

DvdBeam and Yorkshire Forwardcommissioned Access Moving Image toproduce two short films:

Interconnections:

contribution through

consultation. Documenting

the creative consultation

process.

What’s the story?An inside look at theSowerby BridgeCopley ValleyTransformationalProject. Providing aninsight into the widercommunity’s hopesand fears for thedevelopment.

Poem

Sowerby Bridge and Copley Valley

Take notice how near we are to the edge

Of open country, river, wood and field,

Between Copley village and Sowerby Bridge,

How soon the houses to nature yield;

And how much memory haunts and clings

To trees and grass, to breeze and river flow,

Down here where a blackbird full-hearted sings

In early morning amongst the dew.

And will that magic be augmented,

By the cries of children playing here?

As the days move on, let each one be granted

A life in this tapestry from year to year,

Holding the past, and yet endeavouring too,

To stitch in the future with threads of the new.

James Nash 2009

‘Thanks to all the folk from Copley and Sowerby Bridge who

shared their stories, memories and hopes and fears with me

to produce this poem. Your words were my threads.'

A GUIDE TO INTERCONNECTINGTHE TWO PLACES OF SOWERBYBRIDGE AND COPLEY VALLEY BY THELOCAL COMMUNITY OF THE AREATHINKING ABOUT HOW THEY WANTTO LIVE WORK AND PLAYAND EMBRACE ART AND NATURETO CREATE A NEW PLACE AT THEHEART OF THE COMMUNITY

2008/09

INTERCONNECTIONSINTERCONNECTIONS

We would like to thank

All the local residents who took partPupils and teachers from Bolton Brow Primary School & Copley Primary SchoolYoung people and staff from the Sowerby Bridge Youth GroupNorman Lane, Sowerby Bridge Community ForumRev James Allison, UCVRLindsay SmalesArtists Catherine Sweeney and Gillian BrentPoet James NashChris Snell, Play EnglandCalderdale CollegeDesign DefinitionAccess Moving ImageCalderdale CouncilYorkshire Forward