The River Holme runs right through the story of Holmfirth.
It has helped shape the town, supported industry, influenced where people lived and worked and remains one of the defining features of Holmfirth today.
Riverside Square gives you a chance to stop beside it and look at the town from a different perspective.
1. Follow the river – Look at how the River Holme runs through and shapes the town centre.
2. Discover its story – Find out about mills, industry, wildlife and flooding along the river.
3. See what’s happening in the square – Look out for community activities and the Holmfirth Community Market.
The River Holme may appear peaceful today, but it helped build the town around you. Its water powered mills, washed wool and supported thousands of people employed in the textile industry.
Yet living and working beside the river also carried enormous risks. In 1852, the embankment of Bilberry Reservoir collapsed, sending approximately 86 million gallons of water down the valley. Eighty-one people lost their lives and much of Holmfirth’s industry was devastated.
The town flooded again in 1944, when a violent thunderstorm turned the river into a torrent. Today, the river remains a living reminder of the natural force that shaped both Holmfirth’s prosperity and its history.
Holmfirth’s indoor market operated from the Market Hall beside Huddersfield Road and Hollowgate from 1983.
The market provided a permanent town-centre location where independent traders could sell food, household products and locally produced goods.
The indoor market eventually closed after Kirklees Council decided that the building was no longer financially viable.
On market and event days, parts or all of the car park can be closed to vehicles and used by stalls, festivals and community activities.
Built-in electricity and drinking-water connections will support up to approximately 23 market stalls.
The market is expected to begin with around six to eight stalls, with the opportunity to expand.
Holmfirth Forward has proposed markets on Thursdays, Saturdays and potentially Sundays.
Find the trail selfie spot and take a photo.
Then turn around and photograph the view nobody else is photographing.
