The next steps in the £2.56million Active Todmorden project are taking shape, with work beginning soon on improving part of the National Cycle Network Route 66, known locally as ‘Tipside’.
The Active Todmorden project is one part of the £17.5million Todmorden Town Deal regeneration programme, which is funded by the UK Government and is being delivered in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal Board.
Calderdale Council is leading on the Active Todmorden project, which aims to create healthier communities by enabling people to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys and improve access to the town’s attractions, whilst maintaining a welcoming and attractive area.
The Council has already delivered upgraded lighting for Centre Vale Park as part of the project. The next phase of work will be the resurfacing of Tipside, to create an improved traffic-free route between Hallroyd Crescent and Todmorden town centre.
The contractor, J Cooney Limited has been appointed to carry out these works, which are due to begin in February 2026 and will take around 8-12 weeks.
Following feedback from local residents, the Council has also worked to secure funding to repair the wooden footbridge over the River Calder at Hey Street, which has been closed for some time due to safety concerns.
Reinstating this link across the River Calder will improve access to town centre attractions and the play area at Hallroyd Crescent. This will further improve this area of the town and open up facilities at Tipside to more people. This work will be funded by the Council and through the Town Deal fund.
The Active Todmorden project includes:
- Improvements for the towpath along the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden town centre and Walsden, supporting easier access to the town centre.
- New cycle parking in the town centre.
- Improvements in and around Centre Vale Park, including upgrades to existing crossings.
- Improvements around Todmorden CE J, I and N School, with wider pavements supporting access to Centre Vale Park, a new puffin crossing, and bollards to improve safety.
- More attractive and pleasant public spaces in the town centre, including a new public space close to Mr Beans cafe.
- New signage with clearer information for residents and visitors.
Once the work is complete people will be better able to walk or cycle as part of their everyday journeys and more people will have access to Todmorden and its natural landscapes. Most of the improvement work is due to take place over spring/summer 2026.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The Active Todmorden project includes some really exciting developments, improving routes around the town centre to allow more people to enjoy walking, cycling and wheeling as part of their everyday journeys.
“The upcoming work at Tipside will involve the full resurfacing of the section of National Cycle Network Route 66 from Hallroyd Crescent, improving access to the market and centre of the town.
“I’m also delighted that the project now includes work to reinstate the existing wooden footbridge over the River Calder, which is currently in a state of disrepair. I know local people have been keen to see this reopened, and we’ve worked hard to make this happen.
“The work will complement improvements elsewhere around the town, funded by the Town Deal investment and being delivered in partnership with the Town Deal board.”
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said:
“The improvements underway soon for the Active Todmorden project are a fantastic milestone for the Town Deal programme. Our aim for both residents and visitors, our markets and businesses, is that they benefit from a more connected town centre and a Todmorden that is easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in.
“The Board is delighted that the project now also includes the resurfacing of Tipside and reinstatement of the footbridge, priorities for local people that will make an even greater difference to how people make their everyday journeys.”
Seven projects make up the Todmorden Town Deal and in addition to work around active travel, the programme also includes improvements to the Town Hall; a new welcoming, attractive and flexible public place in the heart of Todmorden; the redevelopment of the Hippodrome Theatre; improvements at Centre Vale Park and Todmorden Community College; and the creation of a new Enterprise Centre at Ferney Lee.
For more information about the Todmorden Town Deal, visit todmordentowndeal.co.uk(external link)
The investment in Todmorden is part of Calderdale The Next Chapter. Through an unprecedented level of investment, we are delivering economic regeneration. We’re growing the economy, reducing inequalities, and building a sustainable future. For more information about this and other projects in Calderdale, visit calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link)