Funding consent sought for multi-million pound town investments
Todmorden Town Deal Board says three of its eight Full Business Cases for projects in Todmorden’s £17.5m Town Investment Plan have been sent to the Government for final funding approval.
Projects include improvements to Todmorden Town Hall, investment into a range of sports, heritage, arts and leisure facilities at Centre Vale Park, and redevelopment of Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub, supporting its aim to provide training and learning opportunities for local people.
If successful, the three projects will reflect an overall investment win for the town of over £4.5m.
Pam Warhurst, chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said: “The submission of full business cases for these three wonderful projects is great news, and a key milestone in our ambitions to deliver a Town Investment Plan that realises Todmorden’s immense potential as a revitalised and economically successful market town.
“Between them, they strive for excellence, offering huge benefits and long-term positive impact for residents, businesses and communities across learning and skills, arts and heritage, sports and health and wellbeing.
‘The Board has now approved the remaining five projects, and anticipate these will be submitted to Government in early September to join the three already under consideration.”
Calderdale Council is the Accountable Body for the community led Board and for the Todmorden Town Investment Programme as a whole.
Councillor Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for towns, engagement and public health, said: “The submission of the first set of business cases for the Todmorden Town Deal is a really special moment for the future of the town, and is a testament to the hard work, dedication and inspiring proposals of all involved.
“Todmorden’s transformation offers much to be excited about and there will be opportunities to view and comment on the proposals over the coming months.”
The Todmorden Town Hall project, for which Calderdale Council is Project Lead, will include remodelling of internal spaces to realise the hall’s use as an event and workspace able to accommodate a range of activities.
Money secured for Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub will support its ambition to provide local people with training and skills for jobs in the green economy, such as agroecology, food production and processing, natural building and renewable energy systems operations.
Meanwhile, Centre Vale Park would see tennis courts refurbished, a new court installed, the historic bowling pavilion restored and expanded and a Multi-Use Games Area created for five-a-side football and basketball.
Also, the park’s Edwardian bandstand would be brought back into use for music and arts outdoor performance, while the conservatory in the Garden of Remembrance would be refurbished to create a mixed use meeting and workshop space.
