Construction firm signs £34m town centre regeneration contract

Calderdale Council has appointed Galliford Try as construction contractors for its Halifax town centre regeneration project, the second phase of its A629 improvement project to improve access from the south.

The town centre improvements, fully funded through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s  West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal, improve accessibility and traffic circulation around the town, enhance transport connectivity, and will create new public spaces.

In a separate statement, Uxbridge-based Galliford Try said the £34m contract was one of three new infrastructure projects it had signed, with a total value of £98m. The others involve new pipelines for Thames Water.

The Halifax scheme, part of Calderdale’s Next Chapter portfolio of economic regeneration and growth projects, will be split into western, eastern and central parts, running consecutively to minimise disruption. Work is due to begin this spring, with preliminary work before the end of this month. The Union Street car park will become Galliford Try’s work compound for the duration of the works.

The scheme includes pedestrianising Market Street and part of Northgate,, a new public space outside Square Chapel and Halifax Central Library, new cycle routes, bus access and stops, and changes to road layout, including removing the Bull Green roundabout.

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale’s cabinet member for climate action, active travel and housing, said, “The work planned for Halifax will completely transform the town centre, with a focus upon environment, accessibility, transport choice and economic opportunity.

“This really is a milestone moment for Halifax and is a major part of the huge amount of investment which is transforming the town for future generations and supporting our council priority for thriving towns and places.”

West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said, “These works will make it easier to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport, as well as reducing congestion as we tackle the climate emergency. This will help us build a greener, better-connected region where towns and businesses can thrive.”

Bill Hocking, chief executive of Galliford Try, said, “We have a growing expertise in creating greener transport infrastructure in city centre settings and look forward to working with all the stakeholders involved to create a lasting impact for the people of Halifax.”