Here’s how Tameside Council is shaping a brighter future for Droylsden with huge revamp

A masterplan is to be drawn up for Droylsden which aims to turn it into a ‘more vibrant town centre’.

Tameside Council is to use £100,000 of funding from Homes England to develop a major plan to revamp the centre of Droylsden.

It says that it will facilitate a ‘long term sustainable solution’ to sites such as the Droylsden Shopping Centre and the Greenside Lane Retail Park.

The masterplan programme is envisioned to span from 15 to 20 years, with long-term and short-term goals being set, and for which the council will seek further investment and funding options.

Officers say it will aim to capitalise on previous investment at sites such as the Greater Manchester Pension Fund head office, Droylsden Library, the Metrolink stop, Medlock Active, the former Jam Works site, and Fairfield Road site, and Droylsden Marina.

The report to cabinet states: “There is an identified need for a town centre masterplan in Droylsden that supports plans for a more vibrant town centre core and includes a movement and public realm strategy to support the creation of a sustainable, accessible and community service rich centre linked to public transport entry points and supports wider town centre development.”

The £100k funding has been secured by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for Tameside from the Homes England Revenue Department Expenditure Limit funding.

The authority is set to appoint a partner on the master plan in the coming weeks to get the initial project stage underway, as the cash must be spent by March 2024.

And £100k from the same funding pot has also been secured for Ashton town centre, which will be used to carry out due diligence works on plans around the Arcades and Ladysmith Shopping Centre sites.

Councillor David Sweeton, executive member for inclusive growth, business and employment, told the meeting it was a ‘good news story’.

“It’s a key milestone in our regeneration programme around the borough,” he added. “These monies will create a dedicated budget for the masterplan of Droylsden town centre.

“If we get these right, successful outcomes will include enhanced commercial and residential development, growth in council tax, business rates and a future masterplan for sustained growth.”

Director of Place, Julian Jackson said they were ‘two priority areas’ for the council.