Milestone reached as Stocksbridge’s Town Deal regeneration plans are submitted to government
As co-chair of the Stocksbridge Town Deal Board I am delighted to announce that the Board and I have signed off the project’s ten business cases and have submitted them to government for final approval of the £24.1 million in government funding.
Each business case will now be rigorously assessed so that approval for the £24.1 million funding being sought can be provided. I’ll be pressing for an early Autumn decision from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and hope that the projects can get underway in early 2023.
The ambitious plans, which have been arrived at following extensive work by the board, and after significant local engagement, include a strategic transformation of Manchester Road in Stocksbridge with a new Library and Community Hub building at its heart. This development will host managed workspace as well as community facilities and a brand new and modern, ground floor library.
We have also called for investment in new paving and public realm within the town centre alongside proposals for a shop front grant scheme. New cycle and walking routes have been designed to link the town centre to the wider countryside - improving connectivity and access across Stocksbridge.
Equally important projects within the programme include:
- The introduction of a local community bus service
- Improvements to the Little Don riverside in addition to upgrades to the cycle and walking trails
- New sporting facilities in the town including a 3G pitch and multi-use sports pavilion
- Improvements to Oxley Park and a new Hydrotherapy Pool for Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre
- Adult education provision in the new Library and Community Hub
I think it’s also worth noting that a number of initiatives in Oxley Park have already been completed through the Towns Fund Accelerated Funding Programme which delivered an initial £500,000 investment.
For Stocksbridge’s residents, visitors, and businesses this investment will provide a welcome boost to the town. Not only is the fabric of the town being enhanced but we are also creating new employment opportunities as well as investing in sports, leisure and educational facilities.
I am clear about what this investment will mean for Stocksbridge as a place to live, work and visit and I, and all those who have helped with the plan, look forward to continuing to work with the local community on the next stage of our exciting plans.
