Transformation of Waterfoot Town Centre

A new community space is steadily taking shape on the site of the former basketball courts in Waterfoot Centre.

Pupils from the Green Team at Waterfoot Primary School came down to site to take a closer look this week. They will be working alongside artist Alastair Price and Proffitts – Investing in Communities to learn more about the history of Waterfoot and of this site itself and turn their ideas into beautiful and unique designs which will be interpreted into permanent artwork for the site.

Proffitts – Investing in Communities have been working closely alongside Rossendale Borough Council on proposals for the community space, taking inspiration from the site history; from consultation carried out for the site and also taking into consideration the needs of the neighbours. The project includes creation of a toddler play area, making the site more accessible from Woodlea Road with a new ramp, installation of seats and picnic benches, opening up views to the river and colourful new planting in raised beds. A significant part of the site will remain as open space for community events and activities leaving the car parking spaces available on event days.

Over £130,000 of funding for the project has been secured from Rossendale Borough Council via Section 106 agreements, Viridor Credits, Lancashire Environmental Fund and Lancashire County Council.

Councillor Amanda Robertson, Elected Member for Whitewell ward said:

I’m really glad that this patch of Waterfoot is finally getting a face lift. For years it’s been an eyesore and soon it’s going to look wonderful and people will be able to walk through, sit and relax and children will have exciting equipment to play on.

Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said:

I’m delighted that this long awaited project will soon be complete. The facility is badly needed in Waterfoot and I’m sure it will be well utilised. I’m really looking forward to the opening event and hope that the many residents who contributed to the consultation events will be able to come along and enjoy the end result.

The construction work is well underway already and is expected to be completed in the New Year. Regular updates will be available from Proffitts via their Facebook page and website at: http://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/waterfootcentre-rossendale/