Glossop Town Hall renovation plans set to get £2m funding boost

Ambitious plans to transform Glossop's heritage halls as part of the town's regeneration have been shortlisted to receive £2.078 million in government funding.

The funding is still subject to the approval of a business case, which will set out the strategic and economic case for the project and identify its impact in terms of sustainability, jobs and business accommodation.

High Peak Borough Council submitted a bid to the D2N2 Getting Building fund for a "once-in-a-generation" project to bring the Town Hall, Market Hall and Municipal Buildings up to modern standards. It says it will create jobs and new spaces for entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, alongside the introduction of energy saving technologies and fibre broadband.

High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the funding announcement, which is part of a package of nearly £1.3 billion to improve infrastructure across the country. It was confirmed by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick on Tuesday (4 August), which he said is part of the government's plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help fuel a green economic recovery.

The works in Glossop would be undertaken in two phases. The refurbishment will create a modern hub as part of a revitalised town centre, while preserving Glossop's unique and historic buildings, to retain the character of the town centre.

The funding will mean that as well as the existing planned works to replace the roofs at the Municipal Buildings and Market Hall prior to the market returning, it will enable the borough council to: 

• Refurbish the Town Hall and install lifts
• Build a new mezzanine floor in the Market Hall providing new office space
• Introduce links between the Town Hall and the Municipal Buildings

The borough council say it has already invested significantly in the buildings, with the first big project in the programme being the replacement of the Town Hall roof and the restoration of the clock.

'This is really exciting news'

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of the Council, said: “We’re delighted that Glossop Halls has been shortlisted for this funding subject to the approval of the business case.

“We have long been committed to transforming these buildings which are so important to local residents and the wider community as well as being at the heart of our regeneration plans so this is really exciting news.

“There is a lot of work to do over the next few months to finalise the business plan in order to guarantee the funding, and then secure the Listed Building Consent for the works, but we very much welcome this announcement and the opportunities it promises.”

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “The funding that’s now been earmarked is substantial and it means that the transformation of these buildings can be completed as a single, phased project over the next couple of years.

“Building on the Council’s direct investments, this additional funding will secure the future of these important civic buildings and bring to an end the eight-year plus process of exploring options and securing funding.

“Our clear vision is to create a thriving, vibrant town centre and rejuvenating these buildings is central to this – they really will be the jewel in our town’s crown. This news really has given everyone involved in the project a real boost and we’re all looking forward to getting stuck in to the business case and demonstrating the positive impact this investment will have on Glossop.”

'This is very welcome news but there's a long way to go'

MP Robert Largan commented: "I have long been campaigning for more investment and support for Glossop town centre. I’m really pleased that this Conservative Government have listened and have shown they are prepared to invest in our town.

"This is very welcome news but we’ve got a long way to go and I will continue to fight for more investment in Glossop, most importantly, getting the bypass built." 

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.

"This government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs."