Plans for a new, revitalised market at the heart of Brighouse have moved forward as part of a £19.1 million investment in the town centre.
Following the three-week engagement process in the summer by Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the design of the distinctive new 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 £3 million revitalised market on the existing canalside site will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power. There will also 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, rest and meet, with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders plus storage, to create a modern, attractive and vibrant market with the aspiration to open more days of the week.
Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front and level access to the market; secure, decorative gates featuring a Brighouse-themed design; new cycle parking; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.
Subject to planning approval, work on the new market is due to start in spring 2024 and be complete by spring 2025.
With the build getting closer, work has been ongoing to identify a site for a temporary market to ensure stallholders can continue to trade, shoppers can continue to buy, and the rest of the town centre can operate as usual.
A location has now been provisionally secured and the current market will temporarily move to Daisy Street car park for around 12 months while construction is underway.
Cllr Howard Blagbrough, chair of the Brighouse Town Board, said: “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 delighted we are now in a position to submit the planning application and move forward with the project.
“Ensuring we have a temporary market site that allows our current traders to continue to trade while construction takes place is another vital part of the scheme, and we will be working with the stallholders and the Council’s markets team to ensure this is suitable for them, that shoppers know where the temporary market is, and they are encouraged to visit, shop and spend.
“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.”
