The best kept secret in Calderdale is out.

A unique country park is well on the way to completion - set to bring jobs, tourism, woodland and up-to-the-minute leisure facilities to the area.

And for developer Paul Cockroft it’s a dream come true.

His company began work on the site between Elland and Brighouse in the late 1990s. But when the recession hit, work was put on hold.

Now, Ashgrove Country Park is finally taking shape along Elland Wood Bottom with half a mile of canal frontage in a setting between road and waterway.

The project includes cottages, lodges, a main building with restaurant/bar and leisure facilities, a man-made lake and a 40-bed hotel.

Mr Cockroft, chairman of Calderdale-based PCP Property Group, said: “This is one of the most exciting developments we have ever done. It is something I have looked forward to for a very long time and it is now coming to fruition.”

Construction at Ashgrove Country Park
Construction at Ashgrove Country Park

The site was originally pleasure grounds for Ashgrove Hall, a listed Georgian mansion which Mr Cockroft’s company turned into apartments 20 years ago.

A fishing lake has been dug out and a marina for canal boats is being created with moorings. “So in effect we have a four-acre body of water,” said Mr Cockroft.

When completed the lodges will have no restrictions on how long people can stay at the site. Ten natural stone cottages form a courtyard next to the mansion.

Construction at Ashgrove Country Park
Construction at Ashgrove Country Park

The glass-fronted main building - which gets underway in spring - will feature a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa.

The whole project due for completion early in 2017. “So next year will see some very hard work,” said Mr Cockroft.

“It will bring a lot of tourism to this area. People get to Brighouse and Elland and are amazed at what they find. Lots to do and see and just minutes from two major motorway junctions.”

Construction at Ashgrove Country Park
Construction at Ashgrove Country Park

A number of jobs will be created in the leisure park and Mr Cockroft says a good deal of local labour is being used just now.

“I have spent most of my working life renovating listed buildings - many in this area,” said Mr Cockroft, who is from Halifax. “But this is different. It is all very exciting and it is generating a lot of interest.

“It has been the best kept secret in Calderdale but it’s out now.”