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.”
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