Stalybridge development hailed as example for Tameside

A PROPOSED new development that would see an empty area of land close to Stalybridge town centre transformed has been hailed as the standard to follow in Tameside.

The site of the former clinic will see two blocks of apartments and commercial units placed on a piazza, along with a walkway alongside the River Tame.

Plans to construct 78 one and two-bedroomed homes and four areas that can be used for retail or food and drink were given the go ahead by Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee on Wednesday, February 14.

And town councillors Doreen Dickinson and Adrian Pearce, who sit on the panel, believe it would improve the area.

The site of the former clinic will see two blocks of apartments and commercial units placed on a piazza, along with a walkway alongside the River Tame.

Cllr Dickinson said: “This does have design and will be a benefit to Stalybridge.”

Cllr Pearce added: “It makes a valuable contribution to the regeneration of Stalybridge.

“It complements Market Street and the work we’re trying to do, along with supporting the heritage areas.

“I really welcome the accessibility and sustainability of the scheme and this outs a marker down for future developments in Stalybridge and across Tameside.

“It’s of the sort of standard we need.”

The area, owned by Gerard McDermott KC, who is putting forward the proposal along with Philip Millson of The Millson Group, has long been the centre of complaints as it stood empty.

However, the latter believes having the owner literally over the road will make sure quality remains.

He told the meeting: “He lives and works in Tameside from premises adjacent to the site.

“It’s a landmark building proposal which would provide much needed homes. We’ll look to move forward as soon as possible.

Gerard McDermott KC

“It will help contribute to the renaissance of Stalybridge.”

The meeting was told the development would provide 190 new residents, including some in specially-designed accessible properties.

And after receiving unanimous approval, Mr McDermott told The Correspondent of his hopes.

He said: “I’m very proud to work in Stalybridge and I’m very pleased this will give us an opportunity to develop this part of the town.

“Stalybridge is a terrific town and to have the opportunity to add a little but to it is something my wife Fiona and I are very proud of.

“We worked to engage with the local authority, its councillors and the local population.

“In terms of accessible apartments, my professional life involves acting for those very badly injured and I’m very keenly aware those who have to contend with disability, however it arises, need all the help they can get.

“I’m pleased to be able to set the standard for Tameside and I don’t have much doubt that we’ll now work at some pace.”

One Reply to “Stalybridge development hailed as example for Tameside”

  1. It will be interesting when these people try and see a doctor or a dentist.

    It’s hard enough already in this area getting appointments, so Tameside Council adds another 190 to the list.

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