£4 million major works begin at heart of Todmorden
The Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden project will develop the central Bramsche Square and surrounding area
Construction of a new car park at the heart of town signals work starting on £4 million major work which will change Todmorden town centre.
The Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden project will develop the central Bramsche Square and surrounding area – it is next to Todmorden Market and Market Hall – into “a welcoming, attractive and more accessible public space,” says Calderdale Council, which is the lead organisation on this Todmorden Town Deal project.
Plans include improvements to the outdoor market area with a new canopy and 48 stalls, a new town square and flexible event space, improvements to the existing green space with more trees, plants and seating, and a new car park, according to Todmorden Town Deal Board.
Todmorden was awarded £17.5 million Town Deal funding from Government, and the funding is being put into seven schemes, of which this is one.
Calderdale Council is delivering the Heart of Todmorden project, with civil engineering and construction company CR Reynolds appointed as the contractor.
The improvements will help boost local trade and support the town’s popular markets, says the council.
The first phase will include building a new car park off Rose Street, with more than 50 parking bays and secure motorcycle parking.
Overall, three parking spaces will be lost through the scheme compared to the numbers which have been provided at Bramsche Square, although some of the parking there is being kept for Blue Badge holders (two spaces) and short stay (two spaces), according to Todmorden Town Deal.
There will be no change to the two disabled bays next to the Central Methodist Church.
At Rose Street car park – this is next to Bramsche Square – a disabled bay, motorcycle bays and 51 replacement car parking spaces are to be provided.
Some of the land being used to create the new parking spaces was formerly the site of the town’s medical centre, before it moved to a purpose-built site elsewhere in the town almost 20 years ago.
Originally more spaces were to be lost but following pressure from concerned local campaigners including market traders and other businesses, numbers were increased.
Subsequent phases involve landscaping, the creation of new seating areas and drainage improvements at Pollination Street gardens, works to the outdoor market, and improvements at Bramsche Square, with new trees, stone features and the installation of electric points to allow for events, says the council.
“The scheme will make access to the historic Market Hall easier, while a new glass canopy will optimise natural light and enhance the overall market environment,” says the authority.
Stall layouts will be updated, with “trading and customer areas more clearly defined to improve safety, accessibility and the visitor experience.”
Upgraded drainage will also help reduce the risk of flooding
The works will also include landscaping, creating space for people to meet and spend time together.
The design will allow the space to be used more flexibly to support opportunities for events, says Calderdale.
Work is being carried out in phases to minimise disruption and is due to be completed by the end of April 2027, says the council.
The Todmorden Town Deal programme is funded by the UK Government and is being delivered in partnership with Todmorden Town Deal Board.
Calderdale Council is the accountable body for the Town Deal and is also leading on the Town Deal project to enhance the Grade I-listed Town Hall.