By KLTV Newsdesk –

Brighouse Residents Help Shape £19.1m Town Centre Transformation

Local people and businesses have played a key role in shaping the future of Brighouse through the £19.1 million UK Government-funded Town Deal, which is already delivering projects to make the town more attractive, accessible and vibrant.

The Brighouse Deal is a major regeneration programme bringing together the private and voluntary sectors, residents, Calderdale Council, and Calderdale College.

It aims to create a town centre where more people want to shop, spend time, and support local businesses.

Projects Underway

The first project under the Town Deal is already complete – the new Industry 4.0 Hub.

Delivered in partnership with Calderdale College, the Hub supports the growth of digital and manufacturing skills in a state-of-the-art facility at the College’s Engineering Centre.

Work is also progressing well on the new canalside market building, while the next stage of the project will focus on the heart of Brighouse – improving streets and public spaces to create a more welcoming environment.

Shaped by Public Engagement

The plans have been six years in the making and shaped by extensive community engagement.

Since 2019, hundreds of residents and business owners have taken part in consultations, open days and workshops – held in July 2020, May 2021, October 2022 and May 2023 – to give feedback on parking, traffic, and pedestrian access.

As a result, the final plans aim to balance the wide range of views expressed, from calls for full pedestrianisation to a desire for increased vehicle access.

Key Changes Based on Feedback

The plans reflect local input, with several changes made:

• Six pay-and-display parking spaces and a new disabled bay reinstated on Bethel Street

• Increase in on-street disabled parking spaces to nine

• Designated ‘Loading Only’ bays around the town for easier deliveries and collections

• New short-stay on-street parking on Gooder Street and Lawson Road

• Added loading space outside the new canalside market

• Automated bollards to limit vehicle access during key times while allowing deliveries

• Adjusted crossings to improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians

• More pedestrian-friendly areas to enhance air quality and overall town centre experience

Directly affected businesses have recently had the opportunity to comment on draft Traffic Regulation Orders, with feedback now being assessed ahead of formal consultation.

Voices from the Board

Cllr Howard Blagbrough, Chair of the Brighouse Town Deal Board, said: “We’ve worked hard to reflect the broad range of views we’ve heard from the community.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Brighouse, and while it hasn’t been easy to strike the right balance, we believe the updated plans do just that.”

“Whether it’s reinstating essential parking or creating inviting, vehicle-free zones, the plans are designed to support residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

A Shared Vision

Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, added: “We’re proud to work alongside the Brighouse Town Deal Board to bring these ambitious plans to life.

“These improvements align with the council’s vision for thriving towns – places that are inclusive, accessible, and where people want to spend their time and money.”

Looking Ahead

The overall aims of the Brighouse Deal include:

• Developing more attractive public spaces

• Encouraging people to spend more time in the town centre, day and night

• Creating a quality community and event space at the historic Thornton Square

To find out more about the Brighouse Town Deal and wider regeneration plans, visit brighousedeal.co.uk and calderdalenextchapter.co.uk.