£2 million earmarked to transform Glossop Halls

Issued on 5 August 2020

Ambitious plans to transform Glossop's heritage halls - the central element of the town's regeneration - have been shortlisted to receive £2.078 million funding.

High Peak Borough Council's bid to the D2N2 Getting Building fund is for a once-in-a-generation project to bring the Town Hall, Market Hall and Municipal Buildings up to modern standards creating jobs and new spaces for entrepreneurs and micro-businesses alongside the introduction of energy saving technologies and fibre broadband.

The funding is still subject to the approval of a business case which will set out the strategic and economic case for the project and identify its impact in terms of sustainability, jobs and business accommodation.

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of the Council, said: "We're delighted that Glossop Halls has been shortlisted for this funding subject to the approval of the business case.

"We have long been committed to transforming these buildings which are so important to local residents and the wider community as well as being the at the heart of our regeneration plans so this is really exciting news.

"There is a lot of work to do over the next few months to finalise the business plan in order to guarantee the funding, and then secure the Listed Building Consent for the works, but we very much welcome this announcement and the opportunities it promises."

The funding will mean that as well as the existing planned works to replace the roofs at the Municipal Buildings and Market Hall prior to the market returning, it will enable the Council to:

·         Refurbish the Town Hall and install lifts

·         Build a new mezzanine floor in the Market Hall providing new office space

·         Introduce links between the Town Hall and the Municipal Buildings

The Council has already investigated significantly in the buildings with the first big project in the programme being the replacement of the Town Hall roof and the restoration of the clock.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "The funding that's now been earmarked is substantial and it means that the transformation of these buildings can be completed as a single, phased project over the next couple of years.

"Building on the Council's direct investments, this additional funding will secure the future of these important civic buildings and bring to an end the eight-year plus process of exploring options and securing funding.

"Our clear vision is to create a thriving, vibrant town centre and rejuvenating these buildings is central to this - they really will be the jewel in our town's crown. This news really has given everyone involved in the project a real boost and we're all looking forward to getting stuck in to the business case and demonstrating the positive impact this investment will have on Glossop.