Brighouse town centre set for revival

A West Yorkshire town centre is set for major redevelopment.

Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver the £19.1 million Brighouse Town Deal project, which aims to improve streets and public spaces while encouraging people to shop, spend time and engage with the town centre. 

Funded through the UK Government’s Towns Fund, the scheme, which is a joint initiative involving Calderdale Council, Calderdale College and the town’s private, voluntary and community groups, has been in development since 2019, with extensive consultation shaping the final plans.

Michael Sherrard, construction manager for Esh Construction, said: “We’re proud to be appointed as the delivery partner for the Brighouse Town Deal public realm improvements. 

“This is a significant project for the town and collaboration will be at the heart of our approach.

“We’re committed to working closely with the Town Deal Board, Calderdale Council, local businesses and the wider community to ensure the transformation is delivered with care, consideration and lasting impact. 

“Supporting regeneration and creating places where people want to live, work and visit is central to what we do.”

Work will be carried out in collaboration with local shops and businesses to minimise disruption, with construction set to start soon. 

Improvements include redesigned public areas and the creation of a quality community and event space at historic Thornton Square. 

Other projects in Brighouse are already progressing, including skills support at Calderdale College’s Industry 4.0 Hub and the near completion of Brighouse Market. 

Councillor Howard Blagbrough, co-chair of the Brighouse Town Deal Board, added: “The appointment of Esh Construction as our partner to deliver the public realm elements of the Brighouse Town Deal project is an important moment. 

“These changes in the heart of the town centre will be the most visible and, for many, the most significant changes so we need to get them right.

“There will, inevitably, be disruption while the construction work takes place, but the contractor has committed to working with town centre shops, businesses and the Business Improvement District to make sure the town centre is open and accessible to all throughout. 

“We will be holding them to that as we work together to deliver the transformation that will unlock Brighouse’s potential long into the future.”

Councillor Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, added: “The appointment of Esh Construction to deliver the improvements in the centre of Brighouse is a major step forward, allowing work to begin in the heart of the town.

“The improvements have been developed using feedback from local people, balancing people’s differing views and priorities, whilst highlighting some of the things that make the town so special. 

“This includes creating more places to support the programme of strong community events and providing opportunities to spend more time in town, both during the day and into the evening.

“With the Industry 4.0 Hub boosting skills and the new market really starting to take shape, we’re seeing how the significant town deal investment in Brighouse is creating opportunities and supporting a thriving future for the town.”

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