3 Central Elland : Past and Present
Central Elland: Past and Present
3.1 The following plans provide an illustration of the way in which Central Elland's built environment has evolved over time. During the 100 years up until the mid twentieth century, the built environment evolved in an incremental fashion. The development of the Town Centre took place within the confines of the evolved street pattern. The town spread rapidly to the south and west.
Picture 2 Plan of Central Elland 1851-1855
(Plan of Central Elland 1851-1855 [863KB])
Picture 3 Plan of Central Elland 1894-1896
(Plan of Central Elland 1894-1896 [868KB])
The previous four images are © and database right Crown copyright Landmark Information Group Ltd (All rights reserved 2007)
3.2 During the 1960s however, much of the evolved street pattern, particularly in the area bounded by Southgate and Huddersfield Road, was destroyed and comprehensively redeveloped. Old street patterns and buildings in the Town Centre were replaced by large, single-use, multi storey blocks planned according to flawed notions of how to create a vibrant and sustainable community. Furthermore, the Elland Riorges link was significantly widened, and a roundabout introduced off Southgate. These developments were accompanied by the increasing use of road borne motor vehicles as a mode of transportation.
Picture 6 Aerial View of Central Elland: 1968
(Aerial View of Central Elland: 1968 [1.08MB])
Copyright Meridian Airmaps Ltd
3.3 These developments during the 1960s have left a legacy in Central Elland of poor pedestrian connectivity, over dominance of the motor vehicle, segmentation of the central area, and breaks in the street scene. These effects have hindered the vibrancy and prosperity of Central Elland.
Picture 7 Aerial View of Central Elland Today
(Aerial View of Central Elland Today [488KB])
Copyright GeoPerspectives