Published December 10, 2020 at 14:11
A detailed Stage 2 bid, which is part of the Haslingden 2040 Vision & Masterplan, has been approved by the Council. The approval means the bid can now be submitted in Spring 2021.
Rossendale Council successfully secured first stage funding in December last year from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop plans to transform Upper and Lower Deardengate in Haslingden, as well as parts of Manchester and Blackburn Road.
If the council are successful in securing Stage 2 funding from the Heritage Fund, works could begin on the £3.4 million capital scheme as early as summer of 2021.
Planned works include;
· A pedestrianised area at the northern end of Deardengate to create an event space for community activities such as Sunday artisan markets.
· A vibrant town square with restaurants/cafes and outdoor seating, secure parking for bicycles and landscape features.
· Creating the Big Lamp as a focal point, with the cobbles to be retained but moved to new locations in the town centre to allow for contemporary setts to be introduced to new pedestrianised and shared spaces.
· A shop front enhancement funding scheme.
· Substantial investment in key heritage sites within Haslingden town centre.
The designs have been shaped by the people of Haslingden from the results of the Haslingden 2040 consultation earlier this year. Results from the public consultation and survey showed overwhelming support for the Haslingden 2040 Vision and Masterplan and the National Lottery Heritage Fund Project.
77 percent of residents surveyed thought that the Vision and Masterplan would make the town centre more attractive; outlining that proposed changes to buildings and the public realm will benefit Haslingden and enable the town centre to become more attractive. 89 percent would like to see historical architectural features enhanced on buildings to create more traditional and consistent shop fronts within Haslingden town centre. This thinking is in line with the Vision, Masterplan and National Lottery Heritage Fund bid, emphasising the importance of conserving heritage site in Haslingden.
Cllr Alyson Barnes, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development “I have made town centres the number one economic development priority.
“We set up the Haslingden Strategic Board specifically to bring forward exciting and new projects in the town centre and I’m pleased that this bid has been approved to be put forward by the council.
“I would like to thank the community and business representatives that have given their time to the board and local residents that fed into the consultation.”
Cllr Adrian Lythgoe, Chair of the Haslingden Strategic Board said: “Investment in Haslingden is part of a wider programme of work at the Council to improve town centres in Rossendale. This exciting project will revitalise Haslingden town centre for residents, with new open spaces that will enable people to come together post Covid-19 to enjoy events and bring new life into the town”
84 percent of respondents thought connecting Haslingden with nature through more open spaces and improved gardens would also add value to the town and 79 percent agreed that they would visit the town centre more if regular events and activities were held in the new public spaces.
Creating spaces for families and communities to come together in Haslingden is a key feature of the Vision for Haslingden and is a focal point of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Bid.
Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn & Haslingden & member of the Haslingden Strategic Board said: “A successful Haslingden town centre is important and would be beneficial for all residents and businesses in and around the town. I’m fully supportive of this innovative plan that will see an increase in events space, further support to local business and hopefully an increase in visitor’s numbers to Haslingden – exciting times ahead for Haslingden”
Further detail can be found in the Haslingden 2040 Vision & Masterplan + Haslingden National Lottery Heritage Fund Project Council report: https://www.rossendale.gov.uk/meetings
Feedback and views can still be given via the council’s website or emailing direct to haslingden2040@rossendalebc.gov.uk
