Uncertainty is surrounding a major regeneration project amid claims from some businesses that undertaking the works is badly harming trade to the extent jobs have been lost.

Calderdale Council’s Leader, Coun Dan Sutherland, has announced the second phase of town centre works which are part of Brighouse’s £19.1 million Town Deal projects are to be suspended pending a review in light of concerns raised.

The second phase of works in the east of the town centre, taking in Commercial Street between Park Street and Bradford Road, and Park Street, Park Row, King Street and Bradford Road, were scheduled to begin in late summer, taking until Christmas.

In all, three phases are planned with work originally scheduled to take around 18 months to take place – to around summer 2027.

Brighouse town centre works under way, part of Town Deal regeneration project, early 2026

placeholder image — Brighouse town centre works under way, part of Town Deal regeneration project, early 2026

Phase one of the works – taking in the west area of the town, including Commercial Street between Gooder Street and Park Street, Briggate between Thornton Square and Commercial Street, and Market Street, West Park Street and Ship Street – are due to be finished this summer.

The third phase – concentrating on the Bethel Street area, including Bethel Street car park – was scheduled to be undertaken from winter 2026 to spring 2027.

But some businesses including from independent traders organisation Brighouse Independent Shopkeepers (BRISK) say works so far have had a major impact including some reporting a 70 per cent year-on-year drop in revenue, which has resulted in job losses.

BRISK say they have formed to strengthen their voice in future communications with Calderdale Council, scheme contractors Esh, Brighosue Deal and Brighouse BID (business improvement district).

The new organisation says it has met with new Brighouse ward councillors elected in May, when Reform UK won control of Calderdale Council from Labour, with about 60 traders attending.

BRISK also attended a BID meeting in late June at which BID, Esh, Calderdale Council and two of the new councillors were present, to voice their concerns, including some “very emotive stories from traders who described the devastating effect and disruption the works from phase one are having on their businesses and livelihoods,” said the group.

They also raise concerns about the future including loss of parking – some of the works include improving public areas with the aim of encouraging people to stay longer in Brighouse but BRISK is concerned about loss of spaces and says members “oppose the anti-car agenda including the loss of over 30 on-street car parking spaces.”

Coun Sutherland (Reform UK, Illingworth and Mixenden) has responded and said on the council’s social media channels that phase two of the project is suspended pending review.

“The roadworks and associated highways scheme currently under way in Brighouse are a legacy of the former administration.

“We have heard the concerns of local communities and businesses about the impact this is having on them and the potential detriments the completed scheme would have such as loss of parking.

“We are clear that any changes must be for the benefit of local people with their voices shaping the eventual outcome.

“We recognise the importance of people being able to access the town via car and bus to be able to shop and enjoy the other amenities in the town.

“It is difficult to change a scheme that is currently under way, but we believe the seriousness of this case merits a pause whilst a review can be undertaken.

“In this respect we have given notice that we are suspending the proposed Phase 2 of the works in Brighouse until our review has been completed.”

But the decision to pause is also causing concern.

Brighouse BID has raised concerns over the impact a delay could have, especially if that means works continuing over the crucial Christmas period.

Chair Lesley Adams has said: “I would encourage the council to ensure any delay is as short as possible to minimise the overall disruption, which is already significant.

“We fully support all our businesses, shops and venues across the town centre and we know how hard they have been working to keep people coming during the building works.

“It has undoubtedly had a significant impact on many of them, and I want to thank each and every person who has continued to come to Brighouse to support them.”

Also with reservations is former Hipperholme and Lightcliffe Conservative councillor George Robinson, who stood down at May’s election.

Mr Robinson has written to Coun Sutherland urging some of BRISK’s suggestions, including suspending parking charges, and introducing more signs and stepping up a marketing campaign to say Brighouse is open for business.

“Brighouse has some fantastic independent businesses that have worked incredibly hard to build the thriving town centre we enjoy today.

“They deserve our support.

“My concern is that leaving Brighouse as a half-completed building site will create even more disruption and uncertainty for those businesses.

“The answer isn’t to stop the redevelopment – it’s to finish it while the council should provide practical support to traders and shoppers,” he said.

He is also concerned about the cost of any redesigning, and impact changes might have on the Government funding which is paying for the work.

Mr Robinson said he had written his letter after amalgamating suggestions made to him.

Earlier this summer, Brighouse BID also opposed parking charge increases and extensions which are already in the works, urging they be scrapped.

On social media, responses to the decision to suspend phase two are mixed – some are very worried about the impact on business and loss of parking through the scheme, while others are concerned delaying work may be more damaging.