Design finalised for multi-million pound revitalised market

Plans for a new market in Brighouse have moved forward as part of a £19.1m investment in the town centre.

The design of the market building has been finalised, a planning application is being submitted, and the tender process to find a contractor is due to start soon.

As part of the UK Government-funded Town Deal, the £3m market on the existing canal-side site will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power.

There will be a flexible central space that can be used for events or additional pop-up stalls to encourage new business start-ups.

Alongside spaces to sit with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders as well as extra storage.

Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front; secure decorative gates; cycle parking; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.

Subject to approval, work on the market is due to start in spring 2024 and be complete by spring 2025.

The current market will temporarily move to Daisy Street car park for around 12 months.

The market revitalisation is just one of the Brighouse Deal projects, powered by Levelling Up funding, which aims to transform the town centre, making it a more attractive place to visit.

The Brighouse Deal is a joint project between the town’s private and voluntary sector, community and residents’ groups, Calderdale Council and Calderdale College.

Councillor Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for towns, tourism and voluntary sector, said: “It’s great to see our vision for Brighouse coming to life, starting with the market milestones.

“Already a vibrant town, we want to build on its distinctive character. Together with the Town Deal Board, we are striving to give local people and visitors an even better experience, day and night, by reinvigorating the town centre.

“The Town Deal projects aim to create a place that’s great to spend time in, great to walk and cycle in, a place to be connected to green spaces and nature, and a place to work and build skills.”

Cllr Silvia Dacre, cabinet member for resources, said: “Markets are an important and valued part of high streets across Calderdale.

“Investing in Brighouse’s open market to bring fantastic new facilities will boost the shopper, visitor and trader experience.

“We hope this will also encourage new businesses and start-ups, providing a route for them to use pop-up stalls occasionally, through to fixed market units, to permanent commercial space in the town centre.”

Cllr Howard Blagbrough, chair of the Brighouse Town Board, added: “The open market is an important part of Brighouse, and we have been determined to ensure it has an even brighter future, which is why I am pleased we’re now in a position to submit the planning application and move forward.

“After years of discussion and debate, starting work on these projects will be an important moment and I am looking forward to that happening, all being well, in just a few months’ time.”