Construction work has now started on the first part of the Sowerby Bridge Copley Valley regeneration scheme.
Calderdale Council is working with its development partner, Genr8, to deliver the regeneration scheme. Genr8 has appointed Buckingham Group Contracting Limited to deliver the next phase of the development.
Work has now started, and will involve site clearance and demolition, earthworks and land remediation, construction of retaining walls, installation of utility services, flood alleviation works and landscaping.
These works will allow the new residential housing to be built on the north bank of the River Calder and the employment units to be built on the south bank of the river.
The development will also include the construction of a new highway linking Hollas Lane with Holmes Road, which is being part funded with £2.2m of grant funding secured by Calderdale Council from the European Regional Development Fund for the Yorkshire and Humber region. Construction of the new highway is due to be completed mid-summer 2015, although the wider infrastructure works will continue beyond this.
The contractor, Buckingham Group, will be managing the site throughout the development works. Hollas Lane will be closed for the duration of the works (except for residential access) but disruption to other roads and businesses will be kept to a minimum.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Cllr Peter Caffrey, said:
“This is an exciting step forward in the development of a key regeneration project for Calderdale.
“Once completed, the Sowerby Bridge Copley Valley regeneration scheme will bring important benefits to the area. The relief road will ease congestion and reduce journey times, and the new developments will allow businesses to invest in the area, brining employment opportunities and a boost for existing businesses.”
For more information about the scheme visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/regeneration/copley-valley