STALYBRIDGE’S town centre is set to be revamped with the start of six ‘priority projects.’
Improvements on Market Street, Armentieres Square, Trinity Street, Grosvenor Square, Corporation Street and at the Old Town Hall Gardens are on the agenda.
Upgrading lighting and surfaces to offer safer pedestrian routes and new areas for events and community use are also planned after funding from the Government’s Capital Regeneration Projects scheme.
Armentieres Square will be the first place to see action, beginning on Monday, February 2.
Initial activity will include removing existing surfacing, installing temporary surfaces, and fitting new heritage-style lighting columns supported by electrical upgrades.
From February 2-9, the area – which includes part of Trinity Street, from Corporation Street to the square and from the square to the roundabout at Tesco supermarket – will be closed to vehicles in both directions.
Parking bays around Armentieres Square will also be unavailable, while pedestrian access will remain open with clearly signposted diversions.
Bus diversions will be in place and Tameside Council insists access for business deliveries will be supported.
Phase two, which begins on Monday, February 9, will see traffic move northbound only, while improvements will also take place along Market Street and neighbouring side streets.
Work will be done in sections to minimise disruption, ensuring the whole area is not closed at once.
And Tameside Council says it will ‘continue to work closely with residents and businesses throughout the project to reduce disruption and keep people updated as work progresses.’
Councillor Andrew McLaren, the authority’s deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “This work is important for Stalybridge.
“These improvements reflect what residents, businesses and community groups have told us they want to see, a town centre that feels safer, greener, and more vibrant.
“We know there will be some disruption while the work takes place, but the end result will help revitalise the heart of Stalybridge and support its long-term future.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their patience and cooperation as these changes get underway and we will be working hard to minimise the disruption.”