THE FIRST part of a planned redevelopment of Stalybridge town centre would see existing buildings demolished and replaced by homes.
A total of 102 properties, consisting of 44 two and three-bedroomed townhouses and 58 one and two bedroomed-apartments, will be built on land around Harrop Street, Water Street and Market Street, if planning permission is granted.
That is a rise from 83 on original drawings and paperwork insists 100 per cent will be ‘affordable.’ It will also provide 56 car parking spaces, 120 secure bike spaces, 3,000 square metres of public realm work and 90 trees.
As things stand, the land close to Stalybridge’s railway station is currently occupied by what was Pavilion Bar, a surface car park on Harrop Street, what are described as ‘two and three storey 20th century commercial and light industrial’ buildings – one of which houses a gym – and a caravan storage yard.
But formal proposals for the £27 million scheme lodged with Tameside Council on behalf of applicants the Greater Manchester Pension Fund detail how that would change.
They do not, however, appear to include the disused former Rose and Crown building.
What is described as ‘parcel A’ – the surface car park – would have eight three-storey, three-bedroomed houses built on it, ‘parcel B’ – the buildings – a three-storey apartment building, which will house a retail unit fronting Market Street, and ‘parcel C’ – the caravan yard – a total of 36 homes, of which nine are two-storey and two-bedroomed, 14 three-storey and three-bedroomed and 13 three-storey and two-bedroomed, as well as a four-storey apartment building.
And of the apartments, documents supporting the application state: “We have undertaken extensive research into comparable projects, so that lessons can be learned and applied to our project.
“Our key lessons learnt from our research into these apartment buildings are the importance of brick as a ‘domestic’ material in making the apartment buildings feel like places to live.
“Generous with windows without compromising privacy., large entrance lobbies that give legibility and clear wayfinding for residents and opportunities for an expressive roof line utilising pitched rather than a simple flat parapet.”
Development managers Bankfoot APAM say they are working with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund ‘to maximise their existing assets and unlock new value-add potential.’
Four ‘character areas’ – The Lane – approximately where Chapel Street is now, The Cobbles – close to the surface car park currently, The Plains, to the south of the site, and Riparian Woodland Edge, alongside the River Tame, will be created.
The Lane would be the primary street, The Cobbles pedestrian focused and The Plains would feature things like outdoor seating, balance beams and stepping stones.
It is hoped the Riparian Woodland Edge would be more like a meadow, with plenty of trees and shrubs.
Documents also told how the scheme can revitalise Stalybridge, with the River Tame playing a central role, adding: “Market Street has lost its role as the main axis of the town, with some shopfronts now empty or neglected.
“Our proposals look to support Stalybridge’s connection to the river that once shaped the town’s growth.
“The vision for the landscape is to create a vibrant and connected extension to the town’s heart.
“We aim to enhance biodiversity to support the river and provide valuable habitat space. The Riverside loop and enhanced green edge promotes a playful and biodiverse haven for the community to enjoy, offering incidental play, a running loop or a meandering route through landscape on your way into town.
“The layout prioritises pedestrians, following natural desire lines and promoting sustainable travel options to the town centre, train station, and nearby green spaces in Stalybridge and beyond.
“Wayfinding elements, rest points, and welcoming features throughout the streets create a safe, accessible connection between the new community and the wider town.
“The space celebrates and integrates the river’s edge into the scheme. Along the southern boundary, a green edge to the River Tame is created using a sensitive approach.
“Existing vegetation is supported through the introduction of curated woodland tree species and shrubs, transitioning gradually into diverse grassland mixes.
“An amenity space runs along this edge, offering a playful trail around the development – providing opportunities for meeting friends, letting children play, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature.”
One idea of Tameside Council’s does appear to have been rejected, though. Placing public artwork, like murals, on the gable ends of buildings.
Documents state: “Tameside Council requested to consider activating gable ends and considering the inclusion of public artwork.
“Applied artwork was not included to maintain a coherent architectural language and avoid visual competition with the built form. It was also considered that public art could pose long-term maintenance challenges for the registered provider.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee, or officers, will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.