Issue - items at meetings - Marsden Master Plan

To consider the Marsden Masterplan and proposed next steps.

Contact: Joanne Tansley, Design and Conservation Project Manager – Town Centre Regeneration

RESOLVED –

1) That the final draft Masterplan, as appended to the considered report, be noted.

2) That the Masterplan be approved.

3) That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Regeneration to finalise the Masterplan document and formally adopt the plan.

4) That the Masterplan be published on the Council’s website to form the basis for informing investment decisions in the masterplan area.

5) That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Regeneration to continue to develop the masterplan, its principles and the propositions along with approval to spend up to £140,000 to progress design development on Peel Street as the initial priority project.

6) That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Service Director for Finance, Service Director for Legal Governance and Commissioning, and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Regeneration, to agree all necessary legal agreements with any potential external funders and for the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into, on behalf of the Council, any external funding agreements and/or legal formalities related to the Masterplan.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1) Cabinet received representations from Councillors McCarthy and McLoughlin, and under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 37 received a representation from Mr Tom Lonsdale).

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the Masterplan for Marsden and the proposed next steps.

The report advised that the Masterplan was non-statutory, but it signalled political and institutional backing which would enhance funding credibility, enable market engagement and help align stakeholder priorities. Although the Masterplan did not have formal planning status it would be used as a consideration in the determination of planning applications where appropriate. Cabinet also noted that funding for additional design development, momentum would be maintained to align with the emerging proposals for the New Mills development.

The report outlined that the Masterplan set a 10-to-15- year vision for change, with it serving as a baseline for ongoing engagement, project development, and future investment. The plan aimed to strengthen community life, improve public spaces, protect heritage, support the local economy, deliver affordable housing, and promote sustainability. The New Mills redevelopment was central to this vision, acting as a catalyst for wider improvements and would address local priorities for housing, employment, heritage, parking, and public realm.