Further funding bid submitted to boost Bacup

Rossendale Council has submitted a bid to further boost culture, trade and the visual appeal of Bacup.

Councillors have agreed to submit a bid for £1.1 million from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund.

Following the success of the £2m Bacup THI scheme, the Council has taken the opportunity to try and build on the growing buzz in the town. The bid also complements the emerging Bacup 2040 Vision that was developed in partnership with local stakeholders and residents’ comments.

If awarded, the money would be spent on restoring and repurposing buildings, making public realm enhancements and establishing a core cultural experience in the town centre. It will focus mainly on areas that did not benefit from the THI project which includes the Regal Bingo Hall. It also will improve the frontages of 30 buildings and find alternative modern uses.

Historic England has made £44m available via its High Street Heritage Action Zone initiative – a four-year programme of physical improvements, community engagement and cultural activities to regenerate historic high streets and town centres around the country. The fund is likely to be oversubscribed and only the best bids nationally will be successful.

Cllr Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

I am delighted we have made this decision to submit a bid. Bacup has seen six new businesses establish themselves in the town centre, either as a direct result of the THI or due to the on-going restoration works there, and so the time is right to build on that success. We are very excited about the opportunities that the Heritage Action Zone could bring to Bacup and the positive social and economic impact it could have.

A decision is expected to be made on the bid around Autumn.