Major plans to regenerate and invest in Stocksbridge took a step closer this week as the business cases for the £24.1 million Town Deal projects were submitted to the Government.
The Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board gave final approval to the ten projects when they met in July. The detailed documents outlining the strategic and economic cases for the investment have now been delivered to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The ambitious plans include a strategic transformation of Manchester Road in Stocksbridge with a new Library and Community Hub building at its heart.
The development will house managed workspace as well as community facilities and a brand new and modern, ground floor library.
Investment in new paving and public realm in the town centre is also planned as well as proposals for a shop front grant scheme. New cycle and walking routes have been designed to link the town centre to the wider countryside - improving connectivity and access across Stocksbridge.
Other projects include:
The Government announced that the funding for Stocksbridge was earmarked in March 2021 after the town’s bid was submitted in January that year.
The detailed case for each project now has to be reviewed and signed off before the money can be released and the projects can move to the next stage.
Over the last 12 months the Town Deal team has collaborated closely with local stakeholders, businesses and the wider community to refine the plans which are aimed at creating jobs and investment - maximising the new opportunities for the town.
A first phase of improvements to Oxley Park have already been delivered and completed earlier this year through the Towns Fund Accelerated Funding Programme which delivered a £500,000 investment.
Co-Chair of the Towns Fund Board, Miriam Cates MP, said: “This is an important milestone in our plans for the town. This investment will create a lasting legacy in Stocksbridge which will help to re-focus the local economy. Not only are we upgrading the fabric of the town but we are creating new employment opportunities as well as investing in sports, leisure and educational facilities.
“Our business cases outline what this investment will mean for Stocksbridge as a place to live, work and visit - and we look forward to continuing to work with the community on the next stage in the plans.”
Deputy leader of Sheffield City Council Cllr Julie Grocutt, who is a member of the Towns Fund Board, said: “We have listened to residents to help us shape the vision for the town and worked together on a plan which will deliver much needed investment for Stocksbridge.
“I would like to thank all the community groups, volunteers and council officers who have worked so hard on getting our projects to this stage, ensuring that we have a strong case for investment.”
If the funding is confirmed in the autumn it is hoped that work could start on the first projects in spring 2023.
To keep up to date with news about the Towns Fund visit the website at www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk and follow Stocksbridge Town Deal on facebook and @TownDeal4Stocks on twitter.