The vision that could change the face of Stalybridge has been brought to life

Stalybridge will see it’s civic squares regenerated and it’s roads overhauled as part of a multi-million pound vision for the town.

After council bosses in Tameside gave the nod to the £4.7m plan in June last year, things have now moved forward. The idea behind the scheme is to prioritise pedestrians and improve the appearance of the public squares.

Armentieres Square, which is bisected by the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, would act as a centrepiece to the plan – hosting an event space with a stage complimented by new seating and tree planting. 

A volunteer garden and improved street lighting for Grosvenor Square are mooted. The square that connects to Melbourne Street would also see art murals created on a blank façade as well as space on the street for business use.

Market Street and Waterloo Road junction would be narrowed to make Waterloo Road the preferred route around the town centre. The one-way system west of King Street would be extended and access to Castle Street from Melbourne Street blocked off.

Market Street would be re-established as the ‘gateway’ into Stalybridge with new paving and wider walkways for people – ‘creating a welcoming and joyful pedestrian- focused corridor’. 

The plan for the Old Town Hall Gardens, where Stalybridge Town Hall once stood, has been inspired by the site’s past, . The gardens would see a new performance stage, improved lighting and a refurbished fountain under the plans – to ‘spark a sense of community spirit’.

This public realm plan aims to highlight the town’s unique features and make the most of Stalybridge’s countryside, canals, parks, historic sites, and landmarks. The town hall hopes creating a more attractive space will help develop more areas where people can spend time and enjoy the town.

This forms part of the wider Stalybridge masterplan, which focuses on the opportunities unlocked by the awarding of £19.9m in Levelling Up funding. That will also see repairs to the Civic Hall roof and the restoration of the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery and Library.

Council papers read: “Stalybridge is rich with assets that can be utilised and celebrated to improve the urban environment of the town centre. If addressed, these opportunities can be adopted to create a unique and vibrant town centre for residents and visitors.

“These features can unlock opportunities within the public realm to create more space for public realm, allowing local businesses to grow, frame regeneration and improve the health and wellbeing of the people within the town.”

The public realm rejuvenation plan would tie in with work on the separate Stalybridge West plan. This would see land close to the rail station Stalybridge West area regenerated.

Secured funding of £11.1m will be used for the delivery of upfront enabling infrastructure to bring forward land for development, attract further investment, and deliver new housing for the town.

The infrastructure works for Stalybridge West include a new bridge over the River Tame near Caroline Street for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a multi-storey car park off Waterloo Street.