Positive steps taken in spat over heritage asset

The council has agreed to look into options to save a heritage site following an outcry over their decision to sell it off.

Park Bridge Heritage Centre building was deemed surplus to requirements last year by Tameside council – who recently made a decision to cash in on the asset. The former stables building within the site has been closed since 2010, alongside its café.

This decision from town hall bosses sparked uproar with the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund – who labelled it ‘a disgraceful act of betrayal’. 

The action group say the heritage centre can provide much-needed local jobs, cultural enrichment, access to services and a boost to the local economy. Their local MP, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, also weighed in on the situation – sharing concerns over the decision.

Last week the group met up with councillors to discuss the future of the site. Waterloo ward members met with the action group to speak on a ‘positive shared vision’ for the site, according to councillors.

Tameside council’s executive member for finance and resources, Coun Hugh Roderick, who attended the meeting, said: “We welcome the residents group coming forward and we will work with them to develop their plans as we explore all options to safeguard the heritage of the site.

“We value the location’s heritage and, while we’re proposing to market the Park Bridge Centre to understand potential market interest, our preferred route would be a community led approach that is financially viable and makes the most of the location.

“The centre has been closed as a visitor centre since around 2010, with use since then on an ad hoc basis for dedicated school workshops until early 2020. Over the past five years the property has remained vacant and, due to current financial pressures, there is no budget available to occupy. 

“The available maintenance budget is also greatly reduced, putting the building at risk should a large repair cost be required. While our property disposal programme is in place to identify opportunities for development and income for the borough, it is also a means to ensure that we can find sustainable ways to safeguard our heritage sites.

“Across our properties, we are keen to work with groups like Park Bridge Residents Group to ensure we are supporting our communities and protecting our heritage.”

The residents group believes that, with the right investment and vision, Park Bridge could once again be the beating heart of the valley. They want to see the ecology around the site boosted and look into funding opportunities from bodies such as Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Arts Council, and DEFRA.

They believe the site can generate cash through an eco-friendly on-site café, craft markets, and guided heritage tours.

A spokesperson for Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund said: “We are grateful to have met last week with Tameside Council executives, ward councillors, and a representative from Angela Rayner MP’s office to discuss the future of the Park Bridge Heritage Centre.

“The meeting marked a positive first step towards safeguarding and securing the future of this priceless site for generations to come.

“2026 will mark 240 years since the Park Bridge Iron Works first opened, a remarkable milestone in our local and national story.

“By working together, and with the support of external funding and grants, we hope to celebrate that anniversary with the Heritage Centre reopened as a vibrant space for community use.

“Our vision is for the Heritage Centre to act as a catalyst – championing the community, heritage, and environment. With the Centre at its heart, we believe Park Bridge can once again be a place of pride, engagement, and education.

“To keep this important project on track, we have proposed the creation of a joint working group between the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund and the council, ensuring strong collaboration and shared progress at every stage.”