First part of town’s regen close to finish
THE first phase of town centre building regeneration and repairs are nearing completion as part of Bacup’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
Scaffolding is coming down to reveal the works undertaken and allow access for the final pieces of work to be completed.
Rossendale council received £1.18 million of Historic England funding for the HAZ project, to repurpose and regenerate buildings, provide a public realm enhancement scheme, for community engagement, and a cultural programme. Works to the eight buildings within the first phase of the building improvement scheme are scheduled to conclude at the beginning of April.
Works have included replacement and repairs to shopfronts, windows, roofs, gutters, stonework and signage, making buildings weathertight and repairing damage.
The first eight buildings in the scheme include cornerstone buildings in the town centre; Trinity Baptist Church, the ABD Centre and the formerly derelict Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, which is being brought back in to use by Valley Heritage.
Other buildings have included 11, 16, 23 and 27 Market Street and 18-20 Yorkshire Street. A further ten are scheduled for the next phase in 2022/23.
Coun Barbara Ashworth, councillor for Greensclough ward and chair of the Bacup High Street Heritage Action Zone Project Board, said: “It has been brilliant to see the enhancements made so far to the buildings on our local high street and to see grant funding invested in to Bacup’s buildings and community centres. I look forward to the next round of improvements.”
Pierre Grace, a property
owner participating in the scheme, said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone has supported me in undertaking much needed repair and development work to my property, protecting and enhancing its unique features. I am delighted that this sort of initiative is helping to retain the charm of the town’s architecture and
so encouraging more businesses to invest.”
County Coun Jackie Oakes said: “The restoration works have made a real difference and it is great that the funding has assisted Valley Heritage in bringing a derelict building back in to use on our high street.”
Peter Barlow, from Historic
England, added: “We are delighted with the restoration work that has been carried out so far. The quality of design and craftmanship employed to restore these eight buildings are very impressive and this work is already helping to improve Bacup’s historic town centre for both local people and visitors.”