By KLTV Newsdesk –

Esh Construction to deliver multi-million-pound regeneration project aiming to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible Brighouse

A major transformation of Brighouse town centre is set to begin early in the new year, following the appointment of Esh Construction to deliver the project on behalf of Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board.

The £19.1 million scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Town Deal programme.

The redevelopment aims to upgrade streets and public spaces, creating a more inviting town centre that encourages residents and visitors to spend more time in Brighouse.

Phased Construction to Minimise Disruption

Esh Construction will deliver the project in three key phases, with each area completed before moving on to the next. The phases are as follows:

• Phase 1 – West Area: Commercial Street (between Gooder Street and Park Street), Briggate (between Thornton Square and Commercial Street), Market Street, West Park Street, and Ship Street.
• Phase 2 – East Area: Commercial Street (between Park Street and Bradford Road), Park Street, Park Row, King Street, and Bradford Road.
• Phase 3 – Bethel Street Area: Including Bethel Street car park.

Four construction teams will operate during each phase, ensuring pedestrian and shopper access throughout, and maintaining deliveries for local businesses.

Discussions with premises owners are ongoing to minimise disruption.

The full transformation is expected to take around 18 months, with regular updates provided as the work progresses.

Public Invited to Learn More

Residents, business owners, and visitors are invited to attend two drop-in information sessions to hear more about the construction timeline and ask questions directly to Esh Construction.

The sessions will take place at Brighouse Central Methodist Church on:

• Wednesday 5th November – 10 am to 2 pm
• Thursday 6th November – 3 pm to 7 pm

Those unable to attend can contact Esh directly at BrighousePR@esh.uk.com, or stay informed through the Brighouse Deal website and Deal Digest newsletter at brighousedeal.co.uk.

Commitment to Communication and Support

David Whitehead, co-chair of the Brighouse Town Deal Board, said: “Now that Esh Construction are preparing to begin the work, it is important that the businesses, shops and venues within the town centre know about their plans, what the impact will be on their premises, and the support available to ensure they can continue to operate as smoothly as possible.

“Ultimately, our town centre will be better, safer and more welcoming for all, building on the success we already have.

“But this is an important and major scheme, so while every effort will be made to reduce disruption, the transformation will inevitably bring short-term change and challenges.

“Esh Construction have promised they will do all they can to reduce those challenges, and we’ll be working closely with them as they prepare for the work and then begin construction throughout 2026.”

Building a Better Brighouse

Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “Significant investment in Brighouse as part of the Town Deal is creating opportunities and supporting a thriving future for the town.

“The finishing touches are being carried out on the new market, ready for opening, and people are already experiencing the benefits of the Industry 4.0 Hub, boosting skills and creating opportunities.

“The work which is about to be delivered within the heart of Brighouse will encourage people to shop, visit and spend more time and money in the town, with welcoming public spaces which could hold events and improvements to the look and feel of areas around the town.

“Ahead of construction work beginning, we want to make sure that local businesses and people working in the town are kept well informed about the work and how it’s being managed by Esh Construction to minimise disruption.”

A Vision for the Future

The Brighouse Town Deal projects aim to deliver:

• A more attractive, safer, and cleaner town centre to encourage visitors to stay longer and return more often.
• A warmer welcome for visitors, with better links between the town centre and green spaces, promoting health and wellbeing through walking and cycling.
• A community hub in the historic Thornton Square, creating a space for residents to come together.
• A focus on apprenticeships, skills, and training, building on Brighouse’s manufacturing heritage and attracting future investment.

This town centre transformation complements Calderdale Council’s wider A641 Improvement Scheme, which will enhance routes for walking, cycling, and driving.