Tameside Council is actively seeking a procurement partner to drive forward its ambitious £11 million infrastructure project aimed at rejuvenating Stalybridge West.

With funding sourced in part from the government’s £20 million Levelling Up Fund grant, specifically earmarked for town centre enhancements, the clock is ticking, requiring expenditure of funds by March 2026.

Crafted meticulously, a comprehensive development prospectus, alongside a feasibility study encompassing eight plots within the Stalybridge West area, has been outlined. These plots, comprised of surface car parks and vacant land, are under the ownership of either Tameside or the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

At Tameside Council’s April meeting, approval was granted for the prospectus and the declaration of surplus council-owned sites. The subsequent steps involve initiating a procurement exercise to propel surveys, designs, and planning for infrastructure development.

The proposed projects include constructing a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Tame, establishing a multi-level car parking facility within the town centre, and conducting essential land remediation.

Over the past year, the council has meticulously devised a delivery strategy, preparing to bring sites to market and select a development partner. Of note, the envisaged multi-level car park will supplant existing surface-level sites, designated for residential development.

Within the Harrop Street area, land ownership rests with GMPF, which is currently advancing with the initial phase of development on its property.

Responding to expressions of interest from various experienced developers and organizations, an initial soft market testing exercise has been conducted. These developers have indicated their readiness to engage in the Stalybridge West opportunity, advocating for a streamlined selection process spanning three months via a framework.