A park in West Yorkshire has reopened following major works designed to reduce flood risk while improving wildlife habitats and public access.
Wellholme Park in Brighouse can now store up to 8,900 cubic metres of water during periods of heavy rainfall – the equivalent of about 24 main swimming pools.
The improvements are part of the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme, being delivered by the Environment Agency and Calderdale Council.
New flood storage areas have been created and the river channel through the park has been redesigned to allow water to move more naturally. Old weirs and walls were removed as part of the work, which is also intended to improve the health of the river and reduce flood risk downstream.
The park reopened on Wednesday, 29 July, with residents invited to an open day featuring a Discovery Trail explaining the changes.
Under normal conditions, most of the new flood storage areas will remain dry and form part of the park. During storms, they can temporarily hold water before releasing it gradually back into the river over one to two days.
The scheme has also included improvements to neighbouring Whinney Hill Park, with new paths and landscaping intended to make the area more accessible and usable throughout the year.
Jo Arnold, Calderdale Programme and Partnership Manager at the Environment Agency, said the project would reduce flood risk while creating a more biodiverse environment.
“We’re pleased to welcome the community back to Wellholme Park,” she said.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said recent extreme weather had highlighted the need for investment in flood protection and natural landscapes.
“With record-breaking heatwaves in the summer and one-in-a-hundred-year floods in the winter, now is the time to invest in Brighouse and beyond,” she said.
Calderdale Council cabinet member Darren Commons said the park had been enjoyed by local people for generations and would now have an additional role in protecting homes and businesses from flooding.
He said the project demonstrated how flood protection infrastructure could be combined with community spaces and improvements for wildlife.
The Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme is being delivered by the Environment Agency and Calderdale Council, with design by Arup and construction by BAM.
