Bracken Grove Arch

2005 Location; Brackenhall, Huddersfield Commissioner; Loca (Kirklees Council) Dimensions; main arch 5m x 4.5m Materials; steel, granite cobbles, cast brass plaques

Overlooking Huddersfield town, Brackenhall was once one of the biggest housing estates in West Yorkshire. A scheme that replaced old council properties with new private homes, also invested in the remaining original properties. This involved in depth consultation with the local community to decide which parts of the original streets would benefit from regeneration. The passageway leading to the local primary school was chosen. Overgrown and scruffy, the alley leads to open meadowland. Engagement activities with residents lead to the design of an archway that referred to the flowers in the meadow beyond. A decorative cycle chicane was also built, making the path safer for pedestrians. These features were constructed from galvanised steel, whilst solid brass plaques were laid into the floor, depicting design work done by local children, and anecdotal stories of bygone times from a local elders group. ' The environmental improvements have made a tremendous difference to the overall look of the area.' Margatet Lees and Joan Mallinson CHOBB Tennants and Residents Association					Click Image to Enlarge



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