The first look at a masterplan for how Hyde could be rejuvenated over the next two decades has been revealed.

A four-week public consultation will launch in May to get people's views on the new vision for Hyde town centre, which aims at 'unlocking' its 'comprehensive redevelopment'.

The programme is envisioned to take 15 to 20 years, with both short and long-term goals being set by the local authority.

The draft proposals aim to make Hyde a ‘desirable place to live, socialise and shop’ and a ‘thriving hub for daily urban life’, reversing a decline in its ‘viability and vitality’.

Once adopted it will act as a ‘material consideration’ as part of any planning applications that are submitted in the area in the future.

“Cultural resurgence is at the heart of the masterplan and this will define the area’s future reinforcing its distinctive character, allowing Hyde to flourish and find its own identity within the context of Greater Manchester and the North West,” a cabinet report states.

As part of the plans, the Town Hall could be re-purposed to be a vibrant cultural hub for Hyde and the wider borough, with the newly pedestrianised areas around it creating a flexible space for its activities to ‘spill out’, officers say.

The markets could be re-located to new, ‘high quality facilities in a prime location’ on Market Place. Meanwhile Market Square would become a ‘flexible, high quality public realm environment’ suitable for markets and events.

The re-imagined shopping area is aimed at creating a welcoming shopping and residential area, with wide tree lined streets connecting all areas of the town centre.

And chiefs are considering the ‘rationalisation and relocation’ of parking areas to create ‘high quality’ development sites for the town centre to grow into with a new ‘diverse’ offer.

The masterplan also includes improved public space area and traffic calming to creating safe pedestrian routes from public transport and facilities.

Director of place, Julian Jackson said: “It’s a plan that will position Hyde town centre for future investment and funding opportunities coming forward.”

Councillor Joe Kitchen, ward member for Hyde Godley, told the cabinet meeting: “This is the kickstart I think that Hyde needs.”

To date 1,254 responses were received to a fact-finding questionnaire about the town, and 250 people ‘of all ages and backgrounds’ attended at a drop-in event in the Clarendon Shopping Centre.

“Responses received from the fact finding exercise demonstrate that there is local pride in Hyde,” officers state.

“People want to see improvements to the town and for Hyde to become a place where there are good quality services and diverse offer for everyone throughout the day and night time.

“The draft masterplan aims to identify interventions in order to ensure a step change in the regeneration of Hyde.”

Following the consultation in March, comments will be reviewed and it is expected that the cabinet will adopt a formal masterplan in August.

The Hyde Town Centre Delivery Group – which has been recently established – will steer and support the preparation, development and implementation of the masterplan and deliver its vision, the report adds.

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