First phase of Brighouse revamp completed

The first phase of a town centre regeneration scheme has been completed.

Esh Construction has finished the initial stage of works in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, on behalf of Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board.

Sections of Commercial Street, Market Street and Briggate have been revitalised, alongside improvements to Thornton Square, with the completed areas now reopened to traffic.

The work forms part of a three-phase programme designed to improve accessibility, connectivity and the visitor experience across the town centre.

Infrastructure upgrades have included drainage improvements, new gullies and street lighting connections, alongside new kerb alignments, footpaths and carriageways.

Sustainable water retention systems have also been incorporated into landscaped tree pits, while granite, sandstone and porphyry paving has been used across the public realm.

New street furniture and replacement lighting columns have been installed, alongside pedestrian safety measures including automatic and demountable bollards.

Michael Sherrard, construction manager at Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction, said: “Completing the first phase of works marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Brighouse town centre and demonstrates the excellent collaboration between Esh, Calderdale Council, the Brighouse Town Deal Board and our supply chain partners.

“This is a complex public realm project being delivered within a live town centre environment, requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades alongside the creation of high-quality public spaces. 

“From utility diversions and drainage improvements through to the installation of premium paving materials, landscaping and street furniture, our team has worked hard to deliver lasting enhancements while maintaining access for local businesses, residents and visitors.

“We’re proud to have reached this key stage of the programme and look forward to building on this momentum as work progresses through the remaining phases.”

With the first phase complete, Esh has moved on to the next stage of the transformation, focusing on Bethel Street, Canal Street and Ship Street.

Alongside the construction programme, the contractor has been working with local schools, colleges and community organisations to provide skills development, training and employment opportunities, with further initiatives planned.

Councillor Darren Commons, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, added: “We know how much local people and businesses value Brighouse, and how much it already has to offer. 

“The Town Deal improvements are about giving the high street an extra boost, making it a place where even more people choose to visit, shop, spend time and money and enjoy all that’s great about the town. 

“This supports our priority for a vibrant local economy, and it’s brilliant to see the first set of works nearly complete.

“We have talked to businesses and shoppers, reviewed the scheme to keep parking spaces and maintain through traffic on Commercial Street, and will keep listening to people as the project progresses.”

The second phase is expected to continue until spring 2027, before the final stage of the regeneration programme is completed in summer 2027.

The wider Brighouse Town Deal is aimed at supporting the long-term regeneration of the town and creating a more accessible and attractive centre for residents, businesses and visitors.

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