The final three projects proposed in Todmorden Town Deal Board’s Town Investment Plan have now received the go ahead for investment from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, meaning the full £17.5million Town Deal programme of eight projects is fully approved for delivery.
The news follows approval of the first phase of five projects by Government in December 2022.
The programme aims to develop the local economy and realise the potential of Todmorden as a unique and attractive 21st century market town, bringing opportunities for enterprise development, health and wellbeing, learning, arts and culture and for improving the town’s park, heritage and green spaces.
The three projects include:
The Enterprise Centre, Calder Valley Community Land Trust
A new town centre building will house 21st century businesses, supporting existing businesses to grow and attracting new enterprises to Todmorden. The Enterprise Centre will offer modern, professional facilities for small and start-up businesses, as well as more established enterprises in energy-efficient and affordable workspace, linking with schools and Tod College to offer opportunities for the town’s young people to develop their skills and experience in professional sectors.
Riverside Centre, Upper Calder Valley Renaissance
This project will transform a beautifully located but underused recreation and green space in Walsden into a hub of leisure and activity for the wider community, including those with disabilities, to improve their health and wellbeing. Riverside will be home to local team and individual sports including kayaking, cycling and junior football, providing quality outdoor facilities with modern amenities.
Active Todmorden, Calderdale Council
This project aims to make Todmorden more accessible and easier to move around for pedestrians and cyclists, improving opportunities for better health and wellbeing as well as making the town more attractive. In particular, pedestrian access and links between the rail station and the town centre will be improved.
Pam Warhurst, chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said: “This once in a generation chance for Todmorden to realise its potential as a 21st century market town is now a reality. I am thrilled that the hard work of our skilled Board of local people who invested many hours to achieve this extraordinary milestone in our town’s future, in the middle of a pandemic, has paid off.
“After years of consultations, the contributions and ambitions of Todmorden communities are finally being rewarded, enabling us to capitalise on our unique landscape, heritage and enterprising spirit. Todmorden people deserve better opportunities for health and wellbeing, skills development and jobs, alongside a revitalised town centre which will encourage people to spend more time in Todmorden supporting our wonderful local businesses and markets.”
Calderdale Council is the Accountable Body for the community-led Board and for the Todmorden Town Investment Programme as a whole. Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Engagement and Public Health, said: “This is a really proud moment for Todmorden and everyone who has worked together on the impressive plans for the town’s transformation.
“Through years of hard graft, commitment and enthusiasm, we’ve seen Calderdale’s talent, enterprise and kindness shine through. These qualities, combined with the distinctive features of Todmorden that we cherish, will drive forward the next chapter for the area.
“This important regeneration programme contributes to all three of the Council’s priorities, helping to develop thriving towns and places, reducing inequalities and taking climate action.”
The funding announcement follows three years of planning and development by Todmorden Town Deal Board, made up of private, community and Calderdale Council partners. The eight approved projects will now move forward to undertake further detailed planning, including public consultation, environmental and planning permission processes as required. Completion of the Town Deal programme is expected by the end of 2025.
Pam Warhurst added: “Whilst we celebrate this great news, both the Board and our project partners are not complacent. We know the real work starts here if we are to achieve and maximise the positive impacts in the Town Investment Plan. There are challenges ahead in delivering a major programme of such complexity, and we will be setting out a programme of opportunities to continue the conversation with local people in due course.”
