TAMESIDE Council expects to learn in the next two months whether Stalybridge will get a near £20 million injection from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
If it does, eight sites are earmarked for upheaval, with residential developments expected and repairs to its Civic Hall and Astley Cheetham Library and Art Gallery on a list of priorities.
The authority has submitted its bid to gain funds to boost plans for a redevelopment of Stalybridge.
A document seen by The Correspondent highlights three areas as part of its £19.9 million proposals, with ‘Stalybridge West’ taking up an £11.1 million chunk for what is described as, ‘remediation and re-provision of existing surface car parking on brownfield land.’
It adds that it ‘unlocks the sites for future residential development and helps to facilitate further private sector investment.’
Also in the scheme is £6.1 million going towards public realm and active travel, which includes improved pedestrian and cycle routes and access to public transport.
£2.7 million would also be put towards repair works to the Civic Hall to support its reuse, as well as repair works and internal restoration to enhance the provision and accessibility of the art gallery and library.
After Tameside put in its bid for Stalybridge, it is now waiting for an answer on whether it has been successful, with one expected in October or November.
If it gets the go ahead, the first stages of delivery are to commence before March 2023, with all funding having to be spent by March 31, 2025.
According to a map, the former Rose and Crown pub on Market Street is earmarked for residential development.
The former Pavilion Bar and warehousing and land behind it have been put down for commercial and residential, as well as vacant land on Caroline Street, next to the River Tame.
Areas used as car parks further along there – next to the canal – and on Castle Street would be turned into residential areas.
The document also proposes the car park on Waterloo Road be turned into a multi-storey facility.
Tameside’s bidding document states the bid, if successful could help, ‘deliver a catalytic economic and social impact to the local community.
It adds: “Stalybridge town centre is identified as a growth priority.
“Significant progress has been made in recent years delivering the Stalybridge Town Centre Challenge Action Plan which set out the aspirations for the town, including securing £2.55m for the Stalybridge High Street Heritage Action Zone, Brownfield Homes Funding of £360,000 for the redevelopment of the former Stalybridge Police Station, the launch of Stalybridge Street Fest and securing GM Town of Culture status for 2022.
“Despite this progress, significant challenges remain with vacant sites, poor public realm and walkability, and the poor condition of the Civic Hall and Ashley Cheetham Library and Art Gallery.”
Tameside has been working closely with consultants Arup since April and they have conducted a detailed review of development delivered to date in Stalybridge.
It also looked at the condition and potential of the Civic Hall and Ashley Cheetham Library and Art Gallery and the Stalybridge West feasibility study.
Documents add: “The team have then crafted a proposition that aligns with the Levelling Up Fund’s core objectives, brings out the requirement for public intervention and provides a robust deliverability and value for money case.
“Bid proposals are designed to be an economic driver that delivers a genuine levelling up opportunity supporting national, Greater Manchester and Tameside strategic policies and the continued regeneration of Stalybridge as a modern hub that more effectively serves its local catchment.
“Focus has been on enabling infrastructure to bring forward vacant sites for redevelopment at Stalybridge West, delivery of the Stalybridge ‘Cultural Quarter’ at the Civic Hall and Ashley Cheetham Art Gallery and public realm and active travel works and improved access to public transport.
“These interventions will help the town centre to reach its full potential and deliver further comprehensive regeneration, attracting additional investment.”
Government ministers will make funding decisions based on a number of considerations, including ensuring a fair spread of approved projects across Great Britain.
But it is believed ‘deliverability’ and ‘value for money’ have greater weight than others.