Cheadle has been successful in securing £13.9 million from the government’s Towns Fund, following the submission of the Cheadle Town Investment Plan.
The investment from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is designed to offer the greatest benefit possible, generating jobs and growth locally and throughout Stockport.
Three projects within the Town Investment Plan have secured support:
- A new rail station joining Cheadle to the wider public transport network, transforming accessibility to Stockport Town Centre and beyond.
- Comprehensive Active Travel proposals which include a network of new cycleways to link together residential, employment and transport destinations. Promoting health and reducing local congestion.
- An innovative Low Carbon Eco Business Park that will act as an exemplar for low carbon technologies and clean energy production. The Eco Park will cluster small and large businesses to cluster, accelerating the green business sector.
Funding will be subject to completing detailed project and business case development. Proposals for a High Street Innovation Zone were not accepted.
The Cheadle Town Board will continue to develop the required project information for this next phase over the coming months. Cheadle Town Investment Plan was submitted in October last year and is based on connecting Cheadle to the public rail network and unleashing its potential to provide quality employment space for innovation and clean growth.
Marge Falconer, Chair of the Board and Executive Director Alexander BMI Healthcare, said:
We are all delighted that Cheadle has been successful in securing up to £13.9m towards an exciting package of projects promoting connectivity, clean growth and economic recovery. This funding will help Cheadle reach its potential as a key player in the region’s post-Covid recovery”
Rev Dr Rob Munro, Chair of Cheadle Village Partnership, said:
In the biggest local survey ever undertaken in Cheadle, with over 1200 responses, over 85% identified the lack of rail connectivity and local congestion as our greatest concern in our local community. I am very excited that we now have an opportunity to start to address these issues”
Mary Robinson, Cheadle’s MP, has been closely involved with the Board; she said:
It is brilliant news that the Chancellor has announced £13.9 million as part of our successful Cheadle Towns Fund bid. The deal we have secured is in addition to the half a million pounds of ‘shovel-ready’ projects that have already been signed off. This is fantastic for our area, especially for local jobs and ensuring that we keep the green agenda at the heart of all that we do.
“Our Towns Fund bid is all about recognising the vital role that the high street and connectivity play in our community and local economy. The almost £14 million financial boost for the projects, alongside a raft of other financial packages and measures, will ensure that Cheadle is able to bounce back better than ever.”
Cllr David Meller, local councillor in Cheadle Hulme North and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration at Stockport Council said:
I am delighted we now have a chance to progress further with the case for a new railway station at Cheadle. This is something I’ve campaigned for quite some time and the potential benefit is huge for the whole borough.
“The Town Deal will allow us to start delivering a green recovery in Stockport with Cheadle at its heart. As well as the potential station, the proposed innovative Eco Business Park and significant investment in walking and cycling will help us build our future after COVID and support the council’s Climate Action Now work. This is a really exciting moment for Cheadle and the borough.”
Cheadle has already received £500,000 of Towns Fund monies to support a suit of accelerated projects to be delivered in 2020/21. These early measures include cycle ways, a parklet, health equipment in parks and community information.