Ambitious plans to transform dated shop fronts on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge will be unveiled later this month – as part of the town’s £24.1m Town’s Fund investment.

The Manchester Road area has already been identified as a key location for investment to drive the local economy, with plans for an attractive new placemaking scheme as well as a brand-new Library and Community Hub.

Now the Town’s Fund Board are consulting with local businesses – both tenants and landlords - on new proposals to improve the look of the whole area with a major investment in the transformation of town centre shop fronts.

Public consultation held in October 2021 pointed to a welcoming of  the planned improvements in the area, but a clear desire to see an upgrade for the whole of Manchester Road. The Town’s Fund Board are now planning to consult with local businesses on the updated plans as well as the wider community.

An invited business session is being held on Thursday 31^st March followed up by an open drop-in session for members of the public to view the latest plans on Saturday April 2^nd at Stocksbridge Library from 10am-2pm.

The Towns Fund Board is made up of stakeholders, business representatives and local volunteers, as well as officers from Sheffield City Council and Deputy Leader Cllr Julie Grocutt, representing both Sheffield City Council and Stocksbridge Town Council. It is Co-chaired by businessman Ian Sanderson and MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge Miriam Cates MP.

A spokeswoman for the Town’s Fund Board said: “We know that shop fronts have a huge and lasting impact on the look and feel of the area and give a lasting impression.

“There are some really great local businesses on Manchester Road and we want to work together with them to really transform this part of the town. This element of the project will go hand in hand with the other improvements that we have planned for Manchester Road.”

Miriam Cates MP said: “Our consultation feedback showed the enthusiasm for the investment we have planned but a real desire from members of the public for us to go further to lift the whole of the Manchester Road area.

“Our new proposals are now ready for us to consult with local businesses and the wider community. This investment will create a high street which is fit for the future and a key part of the town’s wider regeneration. We want to work with all local organisations and local business to maximise the impact of this great opportunity for the town.”

The latest version of the plans will be on display at Stocksbridge Library on April 2^nd including:

• New proposals for a Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme
• An updated Library and Crossover Hub building with a smaller footprint and re-using some of the existing building
• Plans for public realm and upgraded paving, highways and landscaping along Manchester Road from Fox Valley Way to Johnson Street
• New connectivity and wayfinding plans for the town, creating better linkages

Work is now underway on the business case for all Town’s Fund projects which will be submitted later in the summer.

The Town Investment Plan will deliver a range of projects across the town, aimed at transforming the fortunes of Stocksbridge and helping to build a sustainable future for residents and businesses.

As well as the Manchester Road projects the Town Investment Plan is also delivering upgraded cycling and walking trails and a major investment in sports and leisure facilities in the town as well as a community bus service and new adult education provision.

For more information contact Amanda Holmes on Amanda.holmes@sheffield.gov.co.uk or 07747 621902.

You can also visit the Stocksbridge Towns Fund website at www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk and follow Stocksbridge Town Deal on facebook and @TownDeal4Stocks on twitter.