Major funding announced for Stalybridge town centre

Stalybridge town centre is set to undergo a major regeneration after securing funding.

£95million worth of funding has been announced for 68 high streets as part of a programme announced by Historic England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The funding was originally announced in September 2019 but the launch of the programme was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The work will include a heritage walk from the railway station to the newly-created Heritage Quarter and improvements to the street scenery, while also improving heritage and cultural assets in the town centre including looking at alternative use options for the Civic Hall.

The original bid for HAZ funding was based on the consultation exercise undertaken by the Stalybridge Town Challenge Board in October 2018.

Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council executive member for Finance and Economic Growth, executive member Cllr Leanne Feeley who is responsible for culture and Cllr Adrian Pearce, Stalybridge Town Challenge Chair, issued a joint statement saying: “This is an important next step towards the regeneration of Stalybridge. There’s a fantastic programme of work for the town and it’s great to see the new cultural activities will come from a mix of locally and nationally committed parties.

“It’s important we celebrate the diversity of our town centres and through the Heritage Action Zone funding we’ll be able to offer even more support to our local economy.”

The local community will be involved throughout the scheme and will they have the opportunity to share their views. A series of events will be planned so residents can continue to contribute to the work.