The Stocksbridge Town Deal Board held its first Board meeting of the year earlier this week, welcoming five new members and reviewing projects that will be delivered throughout 2025.
Key projects within the Town Investment Plan remain focused on revitalising the town centre and traditional retail core, helping to create long-term, sustainable benefits to skills, jobs and growth and bringing new opportunities for local people.
Progress on key Phase 1 projects in the £24.1 million investment for Stocksbridge was the key focus of discussion at the Board meeting, which included:
Hopper Bus Service Implementation
A preferred provider is in place and funding has also now been approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). A Grant Funding Agreement has been agreed in principle, with full details to be worked through. The timeline to complete final approvals following capital approval at Sheffield City Council’s (SCC) Finance and Performance Policy Committee, which took place on 20 January 2025, involve revenue approval at SCC Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, followed by signature of a Grant Fund Agreement with the preferred provider in February.
Stocksbridge Community Hub (519)
Work for the brand-new landmark building continues following the appointment of a preferred contractor. Stocksbridge Library has now moved to its temporary new space at nearby IKON Church, where it will remain until the new Stocksbridge 519 building opens in 2026. On-site work to the old Library will begin in the coming months in preparation for the full works to commence summer 2025, and the building scheduled to complete in summer 2026 ready for final fit out works.
To bring skills and learning opportunities to the town centre, a chosen education partner will occupy two learning suites on the top floor. This is a grant funded activity and is currently planned to operate from the building Summer 2026, ahead of the Autumn 2026 academic term.
Shopfront improvements and Placemaking
The Board has been progressing plans with the aim to deliver improvements to shopfronts, initially in the precinct area of the town centre. Due to the complexities of this project, the Board has had to reassess options that can enable the successful delivery of this scheme. This now means that instead of the requirement for collective consent from all owners and businesses, SCC now intends to implement a phased approach, with shopfront grants likely to operate on a first come, first served basis as long as funds allow.
If there is residual funding, then the Board holds the ambition to provide shopfront grants to the north side of the street to those properties most in need of refurbishment.
The Placemaking project is currently subject to change, which is pending a decision from the Towns Fund Board relating to property purchase and project prioritisation.
Oxley Park
As a valuable asset to the local community, one of the Towns Fund projects has been to improve the quality of the site and recreational facilities at Oxley Park. A £690,000 investment has been made in the historic park to deliver major improvements and has meant that work on a new 'All-wheels' park is now complete. In addition, existing footpaths have been upgraded, new footpaths added and stairs to improve connectivity across the park as well as landscaping with trees and wildflowers and EV charging points installed.
Sports Hubs Grants
Grants to two local clubs have now been delivered in Phase 1 to enhance and improve sporting facilities in Stocksbridge. This has included allocation of grants to Stocksbridge Park Steels FC and Stocksbridge Rugby Club to make ground and pitch improvements.
Co-Chairs, Yuri Matischen and Marie Tidball said: “2025 will be an exciting time for the Stocksbridge community as we deliver Phase 1 projects that will help to create new jobs, develop skills and support businesses. This year marks a major milestone as work on the ground begins on the anchor project, Stocksbridge 519, the Hopper Bus service launches and plans progress on shopfront improvements.
We’re delighted to also welcome the new Board members who will support us in driving these projects forward and help to continue the vital work underway in the town.”
To keep up to date with news about the Stocksbridge Town Deal visit: www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk/news/ or subscribe to the Mailing List.
Following a high level of interest in applications, the Stocksbridge Town Deal Board had the pleasure of welcoming five new Board Members at its recent Board Meeting, 20 January, to help continue its vital work in the town.
Bringing skills and experience in education, health, community development and arts and culture, the new members join the Board as Towns Fund projects move into the next stage of development in 2025, which marks a major milestone as work on the ground begins on the anchor project, Stocksbridge 519.
The new members joining the Board are:
The newly recruited members will bring their skills and knowledge to oversee the next stage of local projects, which includes a brand-new Library and Community Hub building, Stocksbridge 519 as well as developing adult education provision and community facilities.
The Towns Fund Board is made up of representatives from local businesses, community groups, residents, as well as the current MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, Marie Tidball. Members have oversight across all projects as well as representing specific projects. Stocksbridge Town Council and Sheffield City Council are also represented.
Co-Chair Yuri Matischen said: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have a very capable group of people who give up their time, knowledge and expertise voluntarily to help us deliver these exciting regeneration projects for the area. We’re delighted to welcome everyone to the team.”
Co-Chair Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “This is an exciting time to join the Towns Fund Board as work gets underway to deliver key projects that include Stocksbridge 519 and the new Hopper Bus service. They will be great assets to the Board, bringing a huge range of professional experience and local knowledge, and we look forward to driving these projects through to completion together helping to ensure the best outcome for Stocksbridge.”
Gifted to the people of Stocksbridge by Thomas Oxley more than 100 years ago, Oxley Park is a valuable asset to the local community. As such, one of the Towns Fund projects has been to improve the quality of the site and recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy.
Through the Stocksbridge Town Deal, a £690,000 investment has been made in the town’s historic park to deliver major improvements. This investment has meant that work on a new 'All-wheels' park is now complete.
Contractors Horticon, alongside skatepark specialists Canvas, have transformed the area, working closely with Friends of Oxley Park and Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Countryside team, to create an accessible space for all ages and abilities.
The previous skatepark’s large structures have been replaced with sustainable construction methods using concrete coloured in grey and green and is now suitable for bikes and scooters, as well as for skateboarding, wheelchair motocross (WCMX) and roller booters.
Catering for all skills levels, the design incorporates smaller features for novice riders to learn to ride as well as more challenging areas for experienced riders.
Other improvements include upgrading existing footpaths, adding new footpaths and stairs to improve connectivity across the park and landscaping with trees and wildflowers, helping to enhance biodiversity and creating an attractive area for local residents and park users.
Further landscaping around the 'All Wheels' park has been made possible via Steel Valley Projects funding application to Stocksbridge Town Council Participatory Budgeting Scheme.
Cllr Julie Grocutt, Project representative on the Stocksbridge Town Deal Board said: “This is a great milestone to reach, providing people of all ages and abilities a brand-new facility that they can enjoy. Oxley Park is an important part of our town’s history and a fantastic community resource. So, I’m pleased that the improvements we’ve made will make a real difference to people for years to come.
“Everyone has worked together on this project to deliver something really special for the town. A big thanks to everyone involved in helping to make this possible.”