STALYBRIDGE can become the example that other areas in Tameside can follow when it comes to regeneration after a new development framework was adopted.
And the document has been backed to take the area from strength to strength – but how it will be delivered will be key.
Tameside Council’s executive cabinet backed the new dossier, which brings several individual schemes under the one roof.
Millions of pounds of revenue could also be brought in and hopes it can follow Manchester city centre were spelled out.
Use of the Civic Hall, formerly known as Victoria Market, once its roof repairs are completed, were also detailed, along with how that and the neighbouring library and Astley Cheetham Art Gallery will influence the future face of Stalybridge.
And Tameside Council’s executive cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday, January 24 universally sung the framework’s praises.
Cllr Jack Naylor, who is responsible for growth, business and employment, said: “It provides an over-arching framework for delivering major regeneration, attracting investment and maximising opportunities.
“The vision is to deliver a thriving place, both throughout the day and the evening, serving as a destination hub not just for Greater Manchester but beyond.
“We’re going to enhance that connectivity with waterfront heritage, culture and passion which create that hub. That’s the thing that excites me the most.
“We all know that with any of these projects, delivery is key.”
Members representing Stalybridge also highlighted the importance of the Stalybridge Delivery Group, which will advise the Stalybridge Strategic Project Board and will involve ‘local stakeholders’ including business owners.
Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “From the starting point of the Stalybridge Street Fest and how that’s helped businesses, now through to the regeneration on Market Street and new businesses coming forward, it’s clear to see we’ve had strong vision and that will impact our town for years to come.
“I welcome the Delivery Group for as with most changes, there are tweaks and things where anything new might bring the odd community impact.
“So I welcome that level of input into this. It’s been really important to make sure we have our say.”
Cllr Jan Jackson added: “Stalybridge will set the vision we definitely need.
“Businesses are on board and the delivery group feeds into the project board. That’s important.”
Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Ged Cooney, believes the framework can build on what Stalybridge already has – and can make it more of a destination.
He said: “I did have a walk around with the leader pf the opposition and it’s an impressive town centre.
“You see the work being done. What gets you is it’s right beside the Peak District and in that place should be walkers coming in, the same as you see in Saddleworth.
“People should see that as a ‘place I can come.’ There are cafes plus nice little bars and restaurants already. It’s in the right place and what I like is that it’s tried to keep its own integrity instead of it just disappearing.
“The investment’s worth it and with the work going in, it will go from strength to strength.”
Have these designs been resurrected from the 1960s? Heaven help the people who have to live in these tenement blocks!