FURTHER details of how a new Stalybridge town centre would look after a huge redevelopment scheme have been produced.
And analysis of how the multi-million pound ‘Stalybridge West’ scheme – which will being more residential accommodation to the area – will take shape has given more insights.
People can expect projects, including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, to run concurrently as it is believed ‘it is important to avoid a potential missed opportunity in terms of creating a coherent town centre strategy and a sustainable neighbourhood long-term.’
What are described as ‘early wins’ are also being targeted as a way of convincing people and developers it would be the real deal as they target financial growth as a result from a ‘lively urban quarter.’
After carrying out feasibility studies, Tameside Council is looking to unlock surplus brownfield land for future residential and commercial development.
It is also seeking a development partner to bring in private investment.
In a prospectus, it states: “’Early wins’ would be an opportunity to show a meaningful start to the overall regeneration of Stalybridge town centre.
“It would then be essential that those early phases deliver the quality of buildings and spaces, together with any essential infrastructure, that will act as a catalyst and provide a benchmark for which future phases and development can be considered.
“Stalybridge West is comprised of a number of large vacant and under-used sites in council and private ownership to the west of Stalybridge town centre, close to the rail station.
“The area has been identified as an opportunity to create a vibrant town centre residential community in a highly sustainable location that will support the local economy.
“When developed, the plans provide for a mix of housing types and tenures available in secure environments surrounded by new and refurbished commercial and public buildings enhancing local services, set within a high-quality public realm environment.
“A new destination created with local jobs, amenities, public spaces, access to leisure, the river and canal towpaths, town centre cultural activity, where homes will be central to the hub of activity.
“The existing and future town centre regeneration projects and programme will continue to run alongside the Stalybridge West redevelopment sites and together they will spearheading a new chapter for this town.
“The identification of council assets and interests which could potentially deliver ‘early wins’ should become a catalyst for wider change.
“Proactive intervention can be the best way for a council to highlight the ‘art of the possible,’ create ‘real-time’ examples of what can be achievable and to effectively show potential interested developers how future opportunities can be realised.”
Artists’ impressions of how Caroline Street and Castle Street would look, although what was Phoenix City restaurant is noticeably absent from plans.
In the Caroline Street area, 10 four-bedroomed houses will be built, with six along Bridge Street and a community garden between them and the other four, with a riverside boardwalk next to them.
On what is currently the main car park on Castle Street, 123 one and two-bedroomed apartments will be built, along with live/work properties and undercroft parking.
On the smaller car park nearby, 18 one and two-bedroomed apartments will be built above a commercial unit, again with undercroft parking.
The prospectus, presented to Tameside Council’s executive cabinet on Wednesday, April 24, also emphasises reusing brownfield sites.
It states: “As much use as possible should be made of previously developed land, with substantial weight given to the value of using suitable brownfield land in settlements for new homes.
“There has been a continued shift towards a recognition that the character and function of all town centres has changed.
“While they remain important for retail, leisure and commercial activities, there has also been an increased focus upon the delivery of residential development.
“This has partly been a response to the need to exploit brownfield development opportunities, where they exist, but also a recognition that an increase in the number of people who live close to and within our town centres, brings with it increased footfall, improved security, increased spend and use of existing town centre services, and potentially wide-reaching sustainability benefits.
“There are major gaps within the built fabric of the town centre which are seen opportunities for residential led mixed-use development, exploiting their waterside locations and building upon the rich heritage of Stalybridge.”
A large focus is on car parking, with a ‘wider strategic approach’ needed as 195 spaces will be provided within residential plots.
Several sites are considered for the main multi-storey centre facility for those not living there, with the preferred being the current Waterloo Road area – described as ‘site eight.’
The prospectus adds: “Site Eight has the potential subject to land availability for a 189/213 space car park over three floors or 257/291 spaces over four.
“The 200-280 identified demand is achievable within this site.”
Funding for the £11.2 million infrastructure works comes from the £19.9 million Tameside Council received for Stalybridge from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.