Calderdale Council has announced that the Active Todmorden project is underway, beginning with improvements to National Cycle Network Route 66 at the location known locally as ‘Tipside’.
The Active Todmorden project is one part of the £17.5million Todmorden Town Deal regeneration programme, which is funded by the UK Government and is being delivered in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal Board.
The Active Todmorden project aims to create healthier communities by enabling people to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys and improve access to the town’s attractions, whilst maintaining a welcoming and attractive area.
The Council has already delivered upgraded lighting for Centre Vale Park as part of the project. The next phase of work will be the resurfacing of Tipside, to create an improved traffic-free route between Hallroyd Crescent and Todmorden town centre.
Following feedback from local residents, the Council has also worked to secure funding to repair the wooden footbridge over the River Calder at Hey Street, which has been closed for some time due to safety concerns.
Reinstating this link across the River Calder will improve access to town centre attractions and the play area at Hallroyd Crescent. This will further improve this area of the town and open up facilities at Tipside to more people. This work will be funded by the Council and through the Town Deal fund.
The Active Todmorden project includes:
- Improvements for the towpath along the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden town centre and Walsden, supporting easier access to the town centre.
- New cycle parking in the town centre.
- Improvements in and around Centre Vale Park, including upgrades to existing crossings.
- Improvements around Todmorden CE J, I and N School, with wider pavements supporting access to Centre Vale Park, a new puffin crossing, and bollards to improve safety.
- More attractive and pleasant public spaces in the town centre, including a new public space close to Mr Beans cafe.
- New signage with clearer information for residents and visitors.
Once the work is complete people will be better able to walk or cycle as part of their everyday journeys and more people will have access to Todmorden and its natural landscapes. Most of the improvement work is due to take place over spring/summer 2026.