The regeneration of the western edge of the town has been mooted for years
Stalybridge town centre with canal running through (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The regeneration of Stalybridge has taken another step forward now plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge have been tabled. The new bridge over the River Tame would connect Water Street and Caroline Street in the western edge of the town centre, which has been primed for redevelopment.
The area around the train station is also destined to welcome new housing, improved roads, public realm upgrades, and a new multi-storey car park under a £11.1m scheme to give Stalybridge’s western edge a facelift. The idea behind this is to deliver regeneration of the town centre, attract further investment, and deliver vital new housing around a vital transport hub.
Four underused plots of land were ‘unlocked’ by town hall bosses earlier this year to facilitate the scheme.
The proposed new multi-level car park would replace existing surface level car parking that would be lost through the land remediation process. The footbridge across the River Tame would then help improve access to the new residential quarter of the town.
New pedestrian and cycle bridge planned for Stalybridge(Image: Tameside council)
A vision for the Stalybridge West masterplan read: “A lively urban quarter in the town. When developed, the plans provide for a mix of housing types and tenures, from one bed apartments to larger family homes, available in secure environments surrounded by new and refurbished commercial and public buildings enhancing local services, set within a high-quality public realm environment.
“A new destination created with local jobs, amenities, public spaces, access to leisure, the river and canal towpaths, town centre cultural activity, where homes will be central to the hub of activity.
“The existing and future town centre regeneration projects and programme will continue to run alongside the Stalybridge West redevelopment sites and together they will spearhead a new chapter for this town on the edge of the Peak District with easy access to the major cities of Manchester and Leeds.”
Stalybridge town centre(Image: LDRS)
This planning application from the council comes as town hall bosses are set to approve the delivery scheme for the wider town centre improvements across Stalybridge on December 17. Some £19.9m of government funding, separate to the £11.1m Stalybridge West scheme, is set to go towards an overhaul of the civic hall, library, road network and public squares will all get an overhaul over the next few years under the plans.
The plans, following improvements already made on the Victoria Market Hall, include:
- Market Street – creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly route with wider pavements
- Armentieres Square – revitalising the heart of the town with improved space for play, art, and events with added heritage style lighting and planting
- Trinity Street – enhancing links and improving traffic flow to the Victoria Market Hall and Astley Cheetham Art Gallery & Library
- Grosvenor Square – adding greenery and vibrant spaces for people to enjoy
- Corporation Street – improving footways and connections
- Old Town Hall Gardens – transforming it into a welcoming green space
Deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, Coun Andrew McLaren, said: “These projects have been shaped by the local community who have told us what they wanted to see to help transform Stalybridge into a more welcoming and sustainable town for the future. The improvements will support local businesses and create better spaces that people want to spend time in.”
Work will start this month at Old Town Hall Gardens, with further phases continuing throughout 2026. The council is also working on design plans to improve the Stalybridge War Memorial, ensuring it remains a proud tribute to the town’s heritage.