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Press release from Esh Construction - Esh Construction has completed the first phase of the public realm regeneration project in Brighouse town centre, delivering extensive infrastructure and streetscape improvements as part of the wider £19.1 million Brighouse Town Deal programme.
Delivered on behalf of Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the scheme is transforming the heart of Brighouse through a comprehensive programme of public realm enhancements designed to improve accessibility, connectivity and the visitor experience.
The first phase of works has seen sections of Commercial Street, Market Street and Briggate revitalised, alongside significant improvements to Thornton Square. The upgrade forms part of a three-phase delivery programme, 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.”
Esh completed key enabling works, including street lighting disconnections and new connections, drainage improvements, and the installation of new gullies connected to existing drainage networks to enhance surface water management.
A range of public realm enhancements have also been delivered, including new kerb alignments, footpaths and carriageways, as well as sustainable water retention systems integrated into landscaped tree pits.
The scheme incorporates a high-quality material palette featuring granite, sandstone and porphyry paving. New street furniture and replacement lighting columns have also been installed, alongside pedestrian safety measures including automatic and demountable bollards.
The completed phase is now open, enabling residents and visitors to experience the first stage of the town centre transformation. Work has already commenced on the second phase of the programme, with works now focused on Bethel Street, Canal Street and Ship Street as momentum continue across the town centre.
“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 create opportunities for skills development, training and employment, with further activities planned as the scheme progresses.
The second phase of the scheme is expected to continue until spring 2027, with the final phase programmed for completion in summer 2027.