I always look forward to August when Parliament is in recess. It’s nice to be able to travel a bit less, get the grass cut at home more easily, and most of all catch up on some important local projects. This is still the part of the job that I enjoy the most, and whilst the last 13 years have not been easy ones for Tameside there are a number of things coming to fruition that I am very excited about. Two of the most important are the futures of both Stalybridge and Hyde town centres.

In Stalybridge, in September we will be convening for the first time the Strategic Project Board which will oversee the £20m secured in Levelling Up funds. This will be a significant moment for the town, providing funds for the development of a major new residential district on the western side of the town centre (ie behind the station), a new multi-level car park and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Tame. There are also funds for the regeneration of the Civic Hall and the Astley Cheetham Gallery, two vital local assets.

Alongside the public and private investment that has come in to regenerate the old police station, and the exciting plans for the old clinic which feature a new river walkway, it feels like we’re finally getting things going on sufficient scale to realise the enormous potential of the town centre.

In Hyde, the pandemic means we are further behind, but we are also heading in the right direction.   There have been over 1700 responses to the masterplan consultation, which should be finished by the end of August. If you haven’t yet had a look at the draft proposals please do – www.thinkhydetowncentre.co.uk . Hyde Together, the local voluntary group dedicated to improving Hyde, are also a big asset and worth getting involved in.

I’m also continuing to work well with the new owners of the Clarendon Centre, the Martin Group, who are the most locally engaged owners we’ve ever had. I’m particularly pleased that after I brokered an introduction, the Hyde Primary Care Network will be moving into the Clarendon Centre. This will mean local healthcare easily accessible in the centre of town but also good footfall for the other shops and services. There are is also an exciting planning application in for the old Poundstretcher building, several interested parties in the old library on Union Street, and interim plans to reorganise some of the market stalls in the civic square.

I know progress is never as fast as we all want it to be – and the prevailing economic climate isn’t helpful – but I see a very positive future for all our town centres in Tameside.