Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

Friday, 10 October 2025 13:23

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.

Sowerby Bridge has a new beating heart — a welcoming town square designed for everyone to enjoy.

The newly completed Sowerby Bridge Square was unveiled to the public during the Rushbearing Festival in September, quickly becoming a popular stop for performances, stalls and socialising.

Following its success, Ward Councillors and the Sowerby Bridge Town Board are working with local groups to plan events and activities throughout the year, showcasing community creativity and culture.

Developed by Calderdale Council, the square replaces the old market and part of Tuel Lane car park, linking the town centre with the canal. It includes pop-up market space, seating, greenery and rain gardens to reduce flood risk, plus cycle stands, motorcycle parking, and future provision for EV charging points.

The project is part of the £6.8 million A58/A672 Corridor Improvement Programme, delivered with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aiming to cut congestion and promote greener travel.

Further work is planned on Wharf Street, West Street, Station Road and Holmes Road to improve pavements, crossings and road safety.

Sowerby Bridge has also benefited from £2 million from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone, supporting the town’s historic character while improving accessibility.

Cllr Sarah Courtney, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said the square brings together everything that makes Sowerby Bridge special — its heritage, community spirit and vibrant culture — creating “a space for everyone to enjoy and live more active, environmentally-friendly lives.”

More from Local and National News

Two Brothers Jailed for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl in Bradford

Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for raping a child in Bradford, following a conviction at Bradford Crown Court.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Bradford Launches New Five-Year Community Cohesion Framework

Bradford Council has unveiled a new framework setting out a five-year vision to strengthen community cohesion and create safer, more inclusive neighbourhoods.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.
Manningham Housing Association Shortlisted for Three National Awards

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.
Bradford University Staff to Strike Over Job Cuts

University of Bradford staff will strike for 10 days from 22 September in protest against planned redundancies, disrupting the start of the new academic year.
Bradford NHS Teams Shortlisted for National ‘Healthcare Oscars’

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.
Bradford Man Fined £20k for Planning Breach

A Bradford property owner has been ordered to pay over £20,000 after failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice for unauthorised works in a conservation area.
Halifax Leisure Centre Project Breaks Ground

Preparatory work has begun at North Bridge for Halifax’s new £multi-million leisure centre, marking a major step toward delivering modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities for health, wellbeing and community life.
Brighouse Parklets Find New Homes in Rastrick

Two community parklets originally installed in Brighouse town centre have been relocated to Rastrick Juniors Football Club and Rastrick Bowling Club, ensuring the spaces continue to benefit local people after being moved to make way for the town’s new market.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.