LONDON, July 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
WellholmePark has reopened to the public following the completion of major works as part of the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme. It will reduce flood risk, create a biodiversehabitat,and amore welcoming parkforthe local community.
Theparkreopenedto the communityon Wednesday 29July, with residents invited to an open day to explore the improvements for themselves. A 'Discovery Trail' was available throughout the day for those who wanted to learn more about the changes.
The works form a central part of efforts by the Environment Agency and Calderdale Council to reduce flood risk for homes and businesses in Brighouseand enhance thelocalenvironment. Together,theyhave redesigned how water moves through the landscape, working with nature rather than against it.
Flood storage areas
New flood storageareasand a redesigned river channel help manage water more effectively during heavy rainfall. Old weirs and walls have been removed to allow the river to flow more naturally, improving river health while reducing the risk of flooding downstream.
At its full capacity, the park can hold around 8,900 cubic metres of water (which is the equivalent of24 of Brighouse's main swimming pools) before releasing it slowly back into the river over one to two days.
For most of the year,WellholmePark is simply a park. Shallow channels may carrysmall amountsof water, but the space is dry, open, and designed for everyday enjoyment. It has been enhanced alongside neighbouring Whinney Hill Park to offer improved access andmore diverse andresilient surroundings year-round.
Reducing flood risk while creating habitat
Jo Arnold,Calderdale Programme and Partnership Manager atthe Environment Agency,said:
We're pleased to welcome the community back toWellholmePark. The improvements not onlyreduce flood riskin Brighouse,createa biodiverse habitatand river enhancement,but also ensurethatthe parkremainsan enjoyable and accessible space for everyone. We encourage people to comeandhave a look around and see the changes for themselves.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor ofWest Yorkshire, said:
Here in West Yorkshire, we know all too well the devastation caused by floods, and how important it is to invest in our beautiful landscapes to slow the flow of water.
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 to protect homes and businesses, boost wildlife and biodiversity, and create a greener, nature-rich region that works for all.
Cllr Darren Commons,Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport,said:
Our parks are important community spaces, and.I'mdelighted thatWellholmePark is now reopening, allowing local people and visitors to enjoy the green space, especially during the busy school summer holidays.
The facilities and beautiful surroundings ofWellholmePark have been enjoyed by the people of Brighouse for generations, but the park now also playsan important rolein protecting the town and nearby properties and businesses from flooding. The work shows how flood defence infrastructure can work with community spaces, with improvements supporting wildlife habitatsand alsocreating landscaping works such as walkways and paths, to enable the park to be used all year round.
The Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme is being delivered in partnership with Calderdale Council, designers ARUP and contractors BAM.
Further background:
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For more on the wider£31mBrighouse Flood AlleviationScheme, see Eye on Calderdale:Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme - Eye on Calderdale
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West Yorkshire Combined Authorityis investing £4.5minto the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
