Review into Brighouse Town Deal regeneration

The next phase of the town’s £19.1m Town Deal regeneration programme has been paused while the recently elected Reform Leader of Calderdale Council considers concerns raised by local businesses over the impact of construction on town centre trading.

Council leader Dan Sutherland confirmed that phase two of the public realm improvement scheme will be suspended pending the outcome of the review.

The works form part of Brighouse’s wider Town Deal investment programme, which is designed to enhance the town centre through upgraded public spaces, improved streetscapes and infrastructure intended to encourage longer visitor dwell times and support future economic growth.

Esh Construction started delivering the final stage of the Brighouse’s regeneration project in January of this year. This was divided into three phases, estimated to run over an 18-month period with completion originally targeted for summer 2027.

Construction is currently progressing on phase one, which covers the western section of the town centre, including Commercial Street between Gooder Street and Park Street, Briggate between Thornton Square and Commercial Street, Market Street, West Park Street and Ship Street. Those works remain on course for completion this summer.

Phase two, which is the part being paused, had been scheduled to begin in late summer and run until Christmas, covering Commercial Street between Park Street and Bradford Road, alongside improvements to Park Street, Park Row, King Street and Bradford Road.

The final phase, focused on the Bethel Street area and Bethel Street car park, had been scheduled to take place between winter 2026 and spring 2027.

The review follows representations from local traders, including members of the newly formed Brighouse Independent Shopkeepers, who say construction activity has had a significant effect on footfall and trading conditions during the first phase of works.

According to BRISK, some businesses have experienced year-on-year revenue declines of up to 70%, with some reporting job losses as a result of reduced trade during the construction period.

The organisation says it was established to strengthen communication between independent retailers and key stakeholders, including Calderdale Council, contractor Esh, the Brighouse Deal Board and Brighouse Business Improvement District.

BRISK recently met with newly elected Brighouse ward councillors following May’s local elections, and also attended a BID meeting in June involving representatives from the council, Esh and the BID.

The group said traders shared concerns over the disruption caused by the first phase of works, alongside longer-term issues including proposed changes to town centre parking provision.

While the regeneration scheme aims to create a more attractive and accessible public realm, BRISK has expressed opposition to the planned removal of more than 30 on-street parking spaces, arguing that maintaining convenient access is important for supporting town centre businesses.

The council has not indicated how long the review will take or whether the overall delivery timetable for the Town Deal programme will be revised.