Glossop Halls plans revealed

Initial plans showing ambitious proposals for revitalising Glossop's heritage halls have been revealed to the public following the submission of a £4.8m lottery funding bid.

Working in partnership with the Glossopdale Trust, Glossop Heritage Trust and The Bureau (formerly Glossop Volunteer Centre), High Peak Borough Council plans to  restore and convert the Market Hall, Town Hall and Municipal Buildings to meet local demand for new leisure, community and retail space with a particular focus on the cultural and creative sector.

The plans, which were discussed with arcade and market traders yesterday (Wednesday 23 August) show:

• A new lift and staircase to the Town Hall above the arcade
• New public access from the Municipal Buildings into the Market Hall including a direct walking route from the public car park through the buildings to the High Street and Norfolk Square
• A refurbished Market Hall with fixed retail units and a flexible central space
• A new mezzanine floor for lettable business units above the Market Hall wings
• A new market hall building in the area currently occupied by the outdoor market

The Council has committed £2 million toward the scheme and is asking for £4.8 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund's enterprise scheme. 

Councillor Tony Ashton, Leader of the Council, said: "We and our partners are excited by these proposals and are pleased to now be in a position to share them with traders and with the community. However, there is a long way to go with the project and we want to continue the conversation with everyone who is interested in the future development of these buildings and the town.

"Sharing these plans is the next stage in these ongoing discussions and, whether our funding bid is successful or not this time, we know that more detailed design work will be required along with further work to secure all the funds we need.

"I would urge people to have a look at the plans which will be on display this weekend at the Town Hall Sessions as well as on the Council's website."

The Council and its partners in the project believe the HLF bid is a strong contender but realise it will be up against many other good projects competing nationally for the limited funds.

Peter Logan, Chair of The Bureau, said: "We have a unique community partnership and support for bringing these much loved buildings back into public use whilst, at the same time, creating jobs, new business opportunities and community activity.

"It's an inspiring project with huge potential and we are looking forward to developing it further based on advice we receive from the HLF and the ongoing discussions with traders, community groups and local businesses."