The two temporary parklets removed from Brighouse town centre, so the construction of the new market could take place, have been installed in their new homes.
The decked areas, with benches, plants and trees, were moved from the Bethel Street car park on the canalside last year with community groups invited to express an interest in taking on the parklets.
Installed in 2021, they were part of accelerator funding from UK Government aimed at bringing benefits to Brighouse ahead of the main £19.1 million Town Deal investment.
Calderdale Council and The Brighouse Town Deal Board wanted to ensure they continued to bring benefits for the area after their move last year which allowed the transformation of Brighouse Market to get underway.
Community groups were offered the chance to send in proposals of how they would use the parklets, which were then assessed by the Town Board.
Two organisations were offered the parklets after a robust and transparent scoring process and, over the past few months, work has been ongoing to move them from storage and rebuild them in their new locations.
One is now located at Rastrick Juniors Football Club on Carr Green Lane, while the other is at Rastrick Bowling Club at Toothill Bank. Both sites had the right space to accommodate the parklets and community connections that would give them a new lease of life.
David Whitehead, Co-Chair of the Brighouse Town Deal Board, said:
“Brighouse’s parklets played an important role as a space for people to sit, meet and enjoy in the heart of our town centre. I’m delighted they will now continue to play a role in our community where people can do the same at the Junior Football Club and the Bowling Club.
“For the players, parents, volunteers, spectators and many more people – both from our area and visiting from elsewhere – I hope the benefits the parklets bring are enjoyed for many years to come.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The parklets were a temporary feature to bring benefits to Brighouse ahead of the transformation work taking place as part of the £19million Town Deal.
“It’s great that local people, plus those visiting from across Calderdale and beyond, can continue to benefit from these, enhancing facilities for our local groups at their heart of their communities.
“Work in Brighouse continues to progress well and the market building is really taking shape. It’s exciting to see these developments move forward and see how this significant investment is supporting a thriving future for the town.”
Eddie Baikie, President of Rastrick Bowling and Social club, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who’s helped with the parklet installation, including Calderdale Council and Rastrick Big Local. The parklet greatly enhances our facility, providing extra outdoor seating for members, visitors and family. We continue to see our club thriving as a local community hub which is available to all, facilitated by the investment by Rastrick Big Local.”
For more information about the Brighouse Town Deal, visit www.brighousedeal.co.uk and www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk, which also includes details of other major projects across Calderdale.