The local authority has deemed the building surplus to requirements
The current Park Bridge Heritage Centre building(Image: Grandpa Greenes/Creative Architecture Ltd)
A council’s decision to sell off a historic heritage centre and café has sparked anger from campaigners and concerns from the deputy Prime Minister.
Park Bridge Heritage Centre building sits on the edge of the border between Tameside and Oldham, but now Tameside council wants to sell it off after deeming it unneeded. The former stables building within the Park Bridge Heritage Centre site, just north of Ashton, has been closed for a number of years, alongside its café.
The decision to sell up, made at the latest town hall meeting, has caused outrage from locals, who say the building still has a lot to offer.
The Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund have labelled the decision ‘a disgraceful act of betrayal’, suggesting the heritage centre can provide much-needed local jobs, cultural enrichment, access to services and a boost to the local economy.
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Their local MP and deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also weighed in on the situation, sharing concerns over the decision made by town hall bosses.
A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “It is incredibly disappointing to learn that Tameside Council plans to sell off the Park Bridge Heritage Centre and Stables, a site of significant historical value and a former priceless community asset, without any consultation with local residents and groups such as ours.
“Unfortunately, the building, which houses a local museum, classroom, café, and offices, has been closed for many years due to local funding cuts.
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“However, learning that the council now plans to completely wash their hands of this magnificent building is a disgraceful act of betrayal to future generations that could benefit from the potential this community asset still has to offer.
“Instead of working to restore the site into a proper community facility once again, it seems the council is content to sell off our history for cash.”
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The action group is urging the council to provide funding and collaborate with local residents and groups to develop a proper plan to restore the site for community use once more. They have even started an online petition, which already has over 100 signatures.
In a letter to the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund, deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP said: “I have raised my concerns regarding the fact that neither your group nor indeed myself as the local MP for this area had been consulted on prior to the decision being made at executive cabinet on July 30, 2025, particularly as the site is of such historical importance and its rural location.
“I have made representations to the executive leader of the council, Coun Eleanor Wills, Harry Catherall, chief executive of Tameside Council, Julian Jackson, director of place and Coun Hugh Roderick, executive member (finance and resources), outlining my concerns regarding the sale of the heritage centre and stables, owing to the historical importance of the site and its rural location.
“I have also asked whether they had considered any other options for the future use of the site, in particular, the youth offer, which as you state, could give the opportunity for local youth groups, such as scouts and brownies, schools and other organisations to meet and learn about the history of the Park Bridge Iron Works and retain its historical value.”
Tameside Council has been approached for comment.