A RESIDENTS’ group has been told Tameside Council will work with its members to try and map out the future of a heritage centre it is looking to sell.
And the preferred option is a ‘community-led approach.’
People living in the Park Bridge area of Ashton-under-Lyne were joined by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, the town’s MP Angela Rayner, in criticising the authority after it looked to take the former facility to market.
As The Correspondent told, the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group claimed the council is looking to ‘sell off our history.’
Ms Rayner also weighed in on the lack of consultation with both the society and herself as its executive cabinet pressed ahead with plans to go down a ‘Route to Market.’
Documents said: “It is recommended that the authority instruct specialist agents to place the property on the open market and invites bids by private treaty.
“If there is significant interest in the property, we seek authority to close bids through an auction process.”
In a letter to residents, Ms Rayner said: “Please do note that I have raised my concerns regarding the fact that neither your group nor indeed myself as the local MP for this area had been consulted on prior to the decision being made at Executive Cabinet on 30 July 2025, particularly as the site is of such historical importance and its rural location.
“I have made representations to the Executive Leader of the Council, Councillor Eleanor Wills, Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Tameside Council, Julian Jackson, Director of Place and Councillor Hugh Roderick, Executive Member (Finance and Resources), outlining my concerns regarding the sale of the Heritage Centre and stables, owing to the historical importance of the site and its rural location.
“I have also asked whether they had considered any other options for the future use of the site, in particular the youth offer, which could give the opportunity for local youth groups, such as scouts and brownies, schools and other organisations to meet and learn about the history of the Park Bridge Iron Works and retain its historical value.
“I also note that your group would be more than willing to establish itself as a registered community group to enable you to bid for external and government funding for youth and other activities on the site.”
After the outcry from residents, Ashton Waterloo councillors met the action group to discuss its hopes for the site, which has been closed as a visitor centre since 2010 and not been used since 2020.
And Cllr Hugh Roderick, Tameside Council’s executive member for finance and resources – who also attended the meeting, said: “We welcome the residents’ group coming forward and we will work to develop their plans as we explore all options to safeguard the heritage of the site.
“We value the location’s heritage and, while we’re proposing to market the Park Bridge Centre to understand potential market interest, our preferred route would be a community-led approach that is financially viable and makes the most of the location.
“The centre has been closed as a visitor centre since around 2010, with use since then on an ad-hoc basis for dedicated school workshops until early 2020.
“Over the past five years the property has remained vacant and, due to current financial pressures, there is no budget available to occupy.
“The available maintenance budget is also greatly reduced, putting the building at risk should a large repair cost be required.
“While our property disposal programme is in place to identify opportunities for development and income for the borough, it is also a means to ensure that we can find sustainable ways to safeguard our heritage sites.
“Across our properties, we are keen to work with groups like Park Bridge Residents’ Group to ensure we are supporting our communities and protecting our heritage.”
A spokesperson for Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund said: “We are grateful to have met last week with Tameside Council executives, ward councillors, and a representative from Angela Rayner MP’s office to discuss the future of the Park Bridge Heritage Centre. The meeting marked a positive first step towards safeguarding and securing the future of this priceless site for generations to come.
“2026 will mark 240 years since the Park Bridge Iron Works first opened, a remarkable milestone in our local and national story. By working together, and with the support of external funding and grants, we hope to celebrate that anniversary with the Heritage Centre reopened as a vibrant space for community use.
“Our vision is for the Heritage Centre to act as a catalyst – championing the community, heritage, and environment. With the Centre at its heart, we believe Park Bridge can once again be a place of pride, engagement, and education.
“We look forward to working closely with Tameside Council as we develop a detailed business plan and external funding strategy to ensure this magnificent piece of national heritage is preserved and celebrated. To keep this important project on track, we have proposed the creation of a joint working group between the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund and the Council, ensuring strong collaboration and shared progress at every stage.
“We will continue to share updates with residents and supporters as this project develops, and details of how people can get involved and help will be available soon via our website: www.parkbridgeaction.co.uk.”