Esh Construction has completed the initial stage of the project on behalf of Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, delivering a range of infrastructure and streetscape enhancements as part of the wider £19.1m Brighouse Town Deal programme.
The scheme is transforming the heart of Brighouse through improvements designed to enhance accessibility, connectivity and the overall visitor experience. Works completed during the first phase include upgrades to sections of Commercial Street, Market Street and Briggate, alongside major improvements to Thornton Square.
The project is being delivered in three phases, with construction carefully planned to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruption throughout the town centre.
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at 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.”
As part of the first phase, Esh completed a series of enabling works, including street lighting disconnections and new connections, drainage improvements and the installation of new gullies linked to existing drainage infrastructure to improve surface water management.
The completed works also include new kerb alignments, footpaths and carriageways, together with sustainable water retention systems integrated into landscaped tree pits. A high-quality material palette featuring granite, sandstone and porphyry paving has been used throughout the scheme, alongside new street furniture, replacement lighting columns and pedestrian safety measures including automatic and demountable bollards.
With the first phase complete, residents and visitors can now experience the initial stage of the town centre transformation. Construction has already moved into the second phase, with works focused on Bethel Street, Canal Street and Ship Street.
Cllr Darren Commons, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “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.”
Alongside the physical improvements, Esh has delivered a range of social value initiatives throughout the project, working with local schools, colleges and community organisations to support skills development, training and employment opportunities. Further activities are planned as the regeneration programme continues.
The second phase of the scheme is expected to continue until spring 2027, with the final phase scheduled for completion in summer 2027.