Plans to revive Hyde given financial boost

Plans to revive Hyde town centre have been given a huge boost as Tameside Council have received £100,000 in funding.

The council has beaten 24 other authorities to get the financial boost through the British Property Federation's Futures Challenge - which is the first part of the One Public Estate programme. 

The authority is now looking for bright and forward-thinking young people to come up with new and innovative ideas to revitalise the town. 

"I’m delighted that we have been successful in our bid for £100,000 as part of the British Property Federations Future Challenge," Tameside Council’s executive leader, Cllr Brenda Warrington, said. 

“The fund - which is in partnership with the Office of Government Property and the Local Government Association’s One Public Estate Programme - will certainly kick-start our vision in creating a thriving town centre in Hyde.

“We want our residents to be at the heart of our plans, making better use of the existing public assets while capitalising on new developments being built around the centre.

“We’re excited to develop fresh and innovative proposals that will be a solid foundation towards a sustainable, accessible and community service-rich centre that will really take Hyde forward into the 21st century.”

Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds said: "It’s absolutely brilliant news that Tameside have beaten 24 other authorities to win £100,000 from the British Property Federation’s Futures Challenge to revive Hyde town centre.

"The fund is a partnership between the Office of Government Property and the Local Government Association. The money will go towards a masterplan for a thriving, sustainable, successful town centre. There will also be chance to have your say, so it's great news!" 

The council say the £100,000 will be used to fund a master plan for Hyde, developed with new ideas and young professional thinking which will be the base from which to move forward in securing further investment.

Six to nine people who are seen as Tameside Council future leaders, have knowledge of housing and regeneration, and within 10 years of graduation, will be asked to formulate proposals for Hyde.

These will be judged by a panel including Tameside Council’s chief executive, Steven Pleasant, and a winning proposal will be announced in October at the MIPIM UK Summit in London.

A spokesman for One Public Estate said: “Tameside now has the opportunity to work collaboratively to generate innovative property and place-making solutions for Hyde with fresh thinking from the unique perspective of BPF Futures members and guidance from experienced property professionals.”