Ambitious plans to regenerate Glossop and maximise the town's potential to be a hub for creative industries and the arts have moved a step closer following the submission of a bid for Lottery funding.
Working in partnership with the Glossopdale Trust, Glossop Heritage Trust and The Bureau (formerly Glossop Volunteer Centre), High Peak Borough Council plans to restore and convert the Market Hall, Town Hall and Municipal Buildings to meet local demand for new leisure, community and retail space with a particular focus on the cultural and creative sector.
The Council has committed £2 million toward the scheme and is asking for £4.8 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund's enterprise scheme.
Councillor Tony Ashton, Leader of the Council, said: "We believe that bringing these important heritage buildings back into full use is the catalyst for our vision of establishing Glossop as a centre for culture and creative industries with the community at the centre.
"We know how highly valued the buildings are by local people and submitting the funding bid is a big step forward. We are looking forward to hearing from the HLF in the autumn."
In the meantime, the Council is inviting market and arcade traders to a meeting on 23 August to update them on progress with the project and share current design proposals for the market.
Councillor Ashton added: "The proposals for the Market Hall are key to the success of the project and we want to maintain the dialogue with traders so that their views and aspirations are fully considered.
"I'd encourage them to come along to the meeting in a couple of weeks to find out more about the plans and how we can all continue to work together to realise our exciting vision for the buildings, the town and the community."
Significant work is required to both the Town Hall roof and the Market Hall roof which will cause disruption to the operation of the market and the Council will be talking to traders about possible impacts of this and contingencies.
