News

Plans revealed for ABLE2

Added: Dec 14, 02:58 PM

The GBN held a consultation event on the 1st December to reveal its plans for ABLE2 on the 10 acre site in Heckmondwike donated by Kirklees Council. The plans, kindly developed by Salt Architects are now available for download. To see a site plan of the proposed development, please see A1 Presentation Template 2_MAN – Window1 modified.pdf To see a visual representation of the activities planned for the site, please see A1 Presentation Template_MAN – Print Layout modified.pdf

We would be very interested in hearing your response to our plans by filling in the survey we have devised Click Here to take survey

ABLE2 will see the development of a sustainable fish farm and outdoor training centre on the site of former rail sidings in Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike. The project looks set to place Heckmondwike at the centre of an environmental economy, and enhance the facilities on the award-winning Spen Valley Greenway by including in it’s plans:
• a visitor centre and café;
• a bicycle hire, recycling and repair service;
• fishing ponds for use by schools and the general public;
• and, a multi-use activity trail.

The main aim of the project is to provide training in horticulture and aquaculture to young people who have been excluded from school or who are on community punishment orders. The ABLE project in Wakefield is already proving a great success and has already played host to thousands of young people since it opened in 2006.

Local residents and business owners were given a unique opportunity to view proposals for the site during the event. These include using rail carriages for many of the buildings needed on the site, to reflect the heritage of the site as a former rail sidings; as well as state of the art floating buildings on the substantial wetland area planned for the site. Following a presentation from GBN Project Manager Graham Wiles, people were given the opportunity to ask questions to a panel made up of Graham Wiles, Cllr Dodds, deputy leader of the council and Cllr Bolt, Kirklees Cabinet Member for Transportation and Green Services.

Following the event Cllr Bolt said: “The event was a great opportunity for local people to come along and talk to Green Business Network to find out more about ABLE2. This flagship project will further strengthen Kirklees’ commitment towards environmental issues and bring a wealth of benefits to the district both in terms of the fish produce and in the opportunities it will give to young people.”

In addition to the ABLE and ABLE 2 displays, Crank It Up – the bicycle repair, recycling and hire business had an impressive display at the event, along with Catering Plus who are looking to run the community café planned for the site.