Multi million pound investment for Stocksbridge given Government green light
6th December 2022
The Government has approved the funding for the Stocksbridge Towns Fund projects – unlocking £24.1 million of investment which will transform key parts of the town.
Detailed business cases for the projects have been considered and approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, after being submitted earlier this summer.
The announcement means that the Towns Fund projects – including the proposed £14.6m transformation of Stocksbridge town centre – can now move to the next stage in terms of planning and phasing the projects, taking them a step closer to being delivered.
Stocksbridge is one of 101 towns chosen to develop a Town Investment Plan through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Ten projects have been developed over the last two years.
The ambitious plans for the town include a major transformation of Manchester Road with a new Library and Community Hub building at its heart. The development will house managed workspace as well as new community facilities.
Investment in attractive new paving and public realm in the town centre is also planned as well as proposals for a shop front grant scheme to transform and regenerate the town’s run down, traditional retail area.
The Towns Fund Board has received confirmation of funding for nine of the ten projects. A local community bus service is also planned to connect remote communities in Stocksbridge and Deepcar and funding will be approved shortly.
Other projects include a raft of improvements to sports, education and outdoor infrastructure.
Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee unanimously approved the funding offer when they met on December 5th and will manage the projects as the responsible authority for the package of funding.
Planning applications can be submitted to progress the larger building projects and the funding could be available as early as January 2023. A funding application for a further £3 million for the town centre projects has also been made to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Miriam Cates MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge and Co-Chair of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive Government approval for the projects which make up our Town Investment Plan for Stocksbridge. Having been involved in the process from the start, I know how transformative the Town’s Fund will be. There is still a lot of work to do as we look at the detail of delivering the projects, but this really is a huge milestone in bringing forward this once in a generation opportunity.”
“This feels like a fresh start for the town – bringing new jobs and opportunities as well as new sports and recreation facilities. Our community has played an important part in helping to shape and develop the plans and we will continue to engage and consult with businesses and residents throughout the next stage of the projects.”
Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council and Town’s Fund Board Member Cllr Julie Grocutt said: “We have worked with many groups and organisations across Stocksbridge to make sure that our Town Deal is fit for purpose and benefits our residents and businesses here in Stocksbridge.
“It is great news that we can now get started on the next phase of these important projects for the town – Stocksbridge has a proud history of being a pioneering and ambitious town and we are definitely building on that in this next important chapter for the town.”
The next stage for the Government approved projects is for the planning applications to be developed and submitted. Work to deliver the first projects is likely to start in summer 2023.
SLR’s Director Ian Sanderson is Co-Chair of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund team and has played a key role in the project since the funding was announced in December 2019. He has brought his knowledge and expertise of regeneration, property and placemaking to help guide the ambitious plans for Stocksbridge.
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.
To arrange an interview or filming opportunity contact Amanda Holmes, Communications Officer for Stocksbridge Towns Fund on 07747 621902 amanda.holmes@sheffield.gov.uk