MP lifts the lid on delights of arcade ‘gem’
ROSSENDALE political leaders say the future is looking bright for the long-lost Waterfoot Arcade thanks to the Victorian gem’s new owner.
MP Jake Berry unveiled some of the Grade II-listed building’s secrets with a tantalising series of photos on his Facebook page this week, after he was invited on a recent visit.
Council leader Alyson Barnes has also spoken with the owner’s agent at a tour of the Bacup Road building in the last seven days.
Mr Berry told the Free Press he had always been “fascinated” by the Arcade, and felt privileged to be able to see inside the “absolute gem” of a building.
He said: “The inside of the Arcade in Waterfoot has been seen by very few people since it was closed almost 70 years ago.
“Many people have shared fond memories of the building with me over the years and it clearly has a special place in the hearts of many locals.”
The MP said there are a “wealth of possibilities” that the Arcade could be used for, and everything is being considered.
“The Arcade has been in a sorry state for many years now, so I was delighted to hear that the new owners have already cleared out decades of rubbish and made the building safe and secure,” he said. “It’s encouraging to hear that they are keen to bring the building back into use and that they are open minded as to what the best way to do this is.
“The next step is to work with the Council and owners to see if we can secure the investment to help restore the building to its former glory.
“It’s going to be a big job and although it’s not going to happen overnight.
“I’m delighted that the future is at last looking bright for one of the Valley’s most loved historic buildings.”
Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes was also on her first visit inside the former Trickett’s Arcade and said the council were keen to help the developer in whatever way they could. This includes everything from cooperation over planning and licensing matters to advice on the potential for heritage grant funding.
Preliminary ideas mooted are believed to include shops, a bar and a restaurant.
She said: “I think it’s a really interesting development. It’s quite early days, but we were invited along to meet the new owners to see if there’s anything we can do as a council to support them.
“We are really keen to see the Arcade developed. Many local people remember it when there were shops in there and people had access to the building. It was new to me, I’ve never seen it, but you can see the potential.”
Asked about claims that Waterfoot is seen to take a back seat to the Valley’s larger towns in the council’s regeneration priorities, she pointed out their work in Edgeside Park and the Mytholme House/Whitewell Court development.
“Most places have one town centre to concentrate on,” she added. “We have got town centres and a series of small towns - it’s difficult to be everywhere.”