Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver a multi-million pound transformation of Brighouse town centre.
The £19.1 million Brighouse Town Deal project aims to create a place that is welcoming and pleasant for residents and visitors to spend time in. It plans to put the focus on the people in the town while providing vital access to the town centre. The overarching ambition for this scheme is to encourage more people to be able to safely shop and spend time and money in Brighouse.
The plan for construction works to begin is being carried out by Esh, and work with shops and businesses will take place to ensure they are supported as the work to improve streets and public spaces in the town gets underway.
The scheme has been funded through the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager for Esh Construction, said the appointment represented a key client win in a region where the business can continue to grow.
He added: “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.”
The transformation plans began to be developed in 2019 and since, there has been extensive consultation throughout the last six years finding a range of views, all of which have been considered as part of the evolution of the project.
Delivery of manufacturing and digital skills support is already underway at the Industry 4.0 Hub from Calderdale College, while the rebuilding of Brighouse’s Market is also nearing completion. The layout changes in the heart of the town centre are the final stages.
Co-Chair of the Brighouse Town Deal Board, Cllr Howard Blagbrough, said: “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.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said: “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.”
The aim of the Town Deal improvement work in the town centre is to develop public areas so they are more welcoming, encourage more people to frequently visit the town centre, and provide a quality event and community space at the historic Thornton Square.
Following the initial work on the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) earlier this year, feedback from the properties located within the works area has been taken on board and some changes have been made.
The formal TROs consultation on changes to vehicle movements and parking will begin shortly, and those who have already had their say have recently received a response on their initial comments.
The Brighouse Deal is a joint project between the town’s private and voluntary sector, community and residents’ groups, Calderdale Council and Calderdale College.
For more information about the Brighouse Town Deal, visit www.brighousedeal.co.uk and www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk.
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.”
