Hyde masterplan taking shape following appointment of urban design specialists

Tameside Council has appointed HemingwayDesign and GL Hearn to lead the development of its new vision, masterplan and strategy for Hyde town centre.

Bringing with them expertise and a proven track record in urban design and developing successful and innovative visions and masterplans and a strong track record of proposals being delivered for other towns across the UK they will provide a welcome boost to the ambition to regenerate Hyde town centre.

Hyde plays a significant role in Tameside’s Inclusive Growth Strategy. It was named as one of 70 towns across the country to take part in the Government’s High Street Task Force programme and is part of the Hyde Triangle alongside, Godley Green and Hattersley, which has been identified as one of the Greater Manchester Growth locations and a great opportunity to regenerate the area.

The team is starting its fact finding journey by opening with a survey to gain views, perceptions and a wish list for what local residents, communities and stakeholders from Hyde and across the borough want and need from the town centre.

These views will kick-start the process and will be followed with a further public consultation exercise in early 2023 when masterplan options have been developed.

The planning team is also joining forces with the Hyde High Street Task Force Team and The Martin Property Group, which recently acquired the Clarendon Square Centre, adding their weight to the plans as it is keen to support the vision to improve the future of the town centre and ensure its success.

Wayne Hemingway, partner at HemingwayDesign, said: “It is no secret that town centres have to adapt with changing times.

“As we evolve our shopping and social habits, it’s important we move forward to meet the needs and tastes of new generations.

“Things have been moving particularly fast these last few years and there has never been a better time for Hyde town centre to make some purposeful, forward thinking moves. HemingwayDesign and GL Hearn have significant experience but our success comes from listening to the people who know best, the people who live, work, visit, or pass through a town.”

Cllr Vimal Choksi, executive member (towns and communities), said: “It is really exciting and we are pleased to be working with such a great team with a strong track record.

“We are committed to improving and regenerating all our town centres to support our economic growth priorities, making them a place the whole community can enjoy. It will be great to watch the vision and plans start to take shape.

“At this stage, views are a valuable part of the process and will sit at heart of the plans for Hyde town centre, in order for the process to be a success, we want everyone to have their say.”

Gary Martin, of Martin Property Group, said: “The council and The Martin Property Group have a shared ambition to improve Hyde town centre.

“The Clarendon Centre sits at the heart of the town and the local community and we are pleased to be working in partnership with Tameside Council to look at ways to improve the centre, to continue to support our tenants and to enhance the quality and diversity of the offer for the people of Hyde.”

The survey will be open for a period of six weeks until Tuesday, January 3, 2023. To register views, go to: www.thinkhydetowncentre.co.uk and complete the short survey. There will also be a drop-in event held in Hyde on Friday, December 9, in The Mall, between 10-4pm, where people can drop in and talk to the team and share their thoughts.