Pride in Place plan can begin after strong backing from Government
Rossendale’s Pride in Place Board secured £20m of investment for key projects across Rawtenstall, Crawshawbooth and Waterfoot over the next 10 years.
The Plan was prepared with more than two years of extensive community engagement and sets out a transformative programme to further revitalise the area. It will deliver thriving high streets, enhanced parks and public spaces, improved community facilities, safer neighbourhoods and new opportunities for young people, creatives and digital entrepreneurs.
Delivery will now begin with key projects including:
· Redevelopment of the former picture house on Bacup Road
· Public realm improvements in Waterfoot
· Upgrades to bike tracks and footpaths
· A creative skills mentoring programme and public art initiatives
· A young people’s enterprise and entrepreneurship scheme
· Stronger links between schools and local businesses
· A new community base on the Staghills Estate
· A new road layout scheme in Crawshawbooth
In addition, the programme will deliver a community grants scheme, a new learning space at the Whitaker Museum, football pitch improvements at Alder Grange and Marl Pits, and new play equipment at Edgeside Park.
The initiative will also address neglected places, support building repairs, and bring open spaces and heritage assets back into active use through a vibrant programme of events and activities.
Chair of the Pride in Place Board, Iain Taylor, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the Pride in Place programme. We are thrilled to be strongly endorsed by the Government. Securing their approval now means we can start delivering on the things that the community wanted us to focus on.”
“The Board has worked collaboratively to review opportunities and ensure that funding is directed towards projects that will have a lasting and meaningful impact. We are now
focused on turning these plans into tangible improvements that people will start to see over time.”
It is expected that the programme of projects will touch residents across the whole of Rossendale not just in the Pride in Place area.
If you would like to get involved in the programme, would like to find out more about the projects, upcoming tender opportunities or speak to someone, then please email economicdevelopment@rossendalebc.gov.uk
Photo: Aerial view of Rawtenstall
Photo credit: Paul Lambert