Field Lane Halifax: Transforming an Existing Estate into a Vibrant Community ​

Introduction: Field Lane estate, located in Halifax, is one of the three sites included in the Brighouse masterplan. ​ While the estate is well-maintained, it lacks certain community infrastructure and has unique issues that need to be addressed. ​ This article will explore the background of the estate, the unique issues it faces, and the proposed approach to transform it into a vibrant and mixed-income community.

Background: The Field Lane estate has a slowly growing population and is expected to increase by 2% in the next five years. ​ Over 50% of households on the estate earn less than £30,000 a year. ​ The surrounding area has a larger proportion of younger households and aspiring homemakers. ​ The estate is conveniently situated, with a community hub, two secondary and primary schools nearby, and a high street and train station within a 20-minute walk. ​ However, the estate has a high concentration of 1-bedroom properties, leading to high turnover and increased neighborhood management time. ​ There is a clear need to attract families and working professionals to create a more vibrant and mixed-income community. ​

Opportunities: The proposed transformation of the Field Lane estate presents several opportunities: ​

1. Creation of 66 new homes, including a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom properties across 9 development sites. ​
2. Selective demolition to address asset management issues and create more sustainable assets for the future. ​
3. Improvement of community infrastructure, parking provision, bin storage, and safer routes and connections throughout the estate. ​
4. Enhancement of existing green routes to improve connectivity and accessibility. ​
5. Refurbishment of the existing community center into a two-storey building to provide more space for community activities and events. ​
6. Creation of additional parking areas to address the parking needs of residents. ​
7. Planting and landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the estate and create a more pleasant environment. ​

The transformation of Field Lane estate in Halifax presents an opportunity to create a vibrant and mixed-income community. ​ By addressing the unique issues and implementing the proposed masterplan, the estate will become a more attractive and inclusive place to live, attracting families and working professionals. The improvements in community infrastructure, housing mix, and green spaces will contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for the residents of Field Lane.