Wellholme Park in Brighouse has reopened to the public today, Wednesday 29 July 2026, following the completion of significant works as part of the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme. The improvements are designed to reduce flood risk, create a biodiverse habitat, and offer a more welcoming park for the local community.
New flood storage areas and a redesigned river channel have been implemented to manage water more effectively during heavy rainfall. These measures, which also involved removing old weirs and walls, allow the river to flow more naturally, improving its health and reducing downstream flood risk.
At its full capacity, the park can hold around 8,900 cubic metres of water, equivalent to 24 of Brighouse’s main swimming pools. This water will be released slowly back into the river over one to two days. For most of the year, the park is intended to be dry, open, and available for everyday enjoyment, with shallow channels carrying small amounts of water.
The Environment Agency and Calderdale Council have collaborated on the works, which form a central part of efforts to protect homes and businesses in Brighouse. Jo Arnold, Calderdale Programme and Partnership Manager at the Environment Agency, stated that the improvements reduce flood risk, create a biodiverse habitat, and ensure the park remains an enjoyable and accessible space.