Bid looks to benefit from £3.6bn towns investment fund
A £25m investment plan has been put forward by Sheffield City Council and The Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board for the regeneration of Stocksbridge town.
It is a bid to benefit from the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund.
Stocksbridge was one of 100 places in England invited to develop proposals for a Town Deal as part of the Towns Fund, launched in July 2019.
The Towns Fund agenda will inject cash into the regeneration of towns through investment in infrastructure, connectivity, skills and enterprise, cultural and economic assets to drive long term productivity and growth.
A Towns Deal Board has been set up comprising private, community and public sector representatives including members of Sheffield City Council and local Councillor Julie Grocutt.
If approved by Government, the board’s Town Investment Plan will secure funding to improve travel and transport infrastructure, provide street scene and green space enhancements, create further higher education and skill development opportunities, as well as improved sport, arts and cultural facilities.
At the heart of the plan is a flagship development on Manchester Road that incorporates a new 21st century library alongside a range of other community and leisure services.
Built on the current council owned library site, it is hoped the new building, alongside improvements to the public realm and improved links to Fox Valley will act as the catalyst for regeneration of Manchester Road which has seen a decline in recent years.
Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for Culture, Parks and Leisure, said: “This is a truly exciting opportunity for the people of Stocksbridge.
“It is a once in a generation chance to make Stocksbridge a strong, vibrant, attractive town centre that serves its community and is fit for future generations.
“This year has had a big impact on our communities but these proposals will help to secure Stocksbridge’s recovery following the pandemic, develop a strengthened and diversified economy and provide a more stable, brighter future for the town and its residents.”
