Hyde town centre set for a bright future through regeneration and community spirit

Hyde town centre is experiencing an exciting wave of regeneration, thanks to a strong collaboration between local partners and targeted government investment.

A series of improvement projects and vibrant community events are reshaping the heart of the town, bringing lasting benefits for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Backed by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the government’s High Street Task Force Accelerator Programme, the transformation is aligned with the Hyde Town Centre Masterplan, which was approved last year. The plan focuses on making the town centre more attractive, flexible, and welcoming - particularly for markets, seasonal events, and social gatherings.

One standout on the summer calendar is the return of Social on the Square, an event delivered by Hyde Young Peoples Enterprise (HYPE). After a successful pilot, the event will once again take over Hyde Market Ground on Saturday 30 August 2025, from 10am to 3pm. With a focus on youth creativity and entrepreneurship, the event will feature food stalls, entertainment, art workshops, and social spaces, offering a vibrant and inclusive day out for all.

This initiative is part of a wider series of regeneration efforts led by the Hyde Accelerator Partnership and Tameside Council, supported by £737,000 from the UK Government’s High Street Task Force. Improvements already underway include refurbishments to Hyde Market Ground, refreshed market stalls, and the addition of new planting and street furniture.

The town centre is also benefiting from enhancements such as tree maintenance, decorative lighting, and bunting, all contributing to a more inviting environment. Nearby Millennium Park has seen upgrades too, with the recent addition of a striking mural by local artist oskarwitha.k, adding a splash of creativity to the area.

Community-focused events remain central to the town’s revitalisation strategy. Popular celebrations including Halloween festivities, the Lantern Parade, and the Christmas Markets continue to bring people together and support local culture.

In the coming weeks, Hyde Market Ground will receive further improvements with the installation of bespoke planters and new seating. These changes aim to encourage more visitors to spend time in the town centre, creating a space that is both attractive and functional for traders and the public alike. A further £70,000 has also been secured through the Flexible Local Authority Grant Scheme to support additional activity in the town.

Hyde businesses are also benefiting from an innovative new art trail that’s adding colour and creativity to the high street. Local artist Emma Evans has partnered with traders including Jolly Carter, Sincerely Marie, My Back Home Chai and Home Start Host to create bespoke window artwork, turning shopfronts into eye-catching points of interest. With more installations planned, the art trail is set to grow and attract even more footfall into the town centre.

Cllr Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s fantastic to see Hyde coming to life through these creative and community-led projects. The improvements being made aren’t just about infrastructure, they’re about creating spaces where people feel proud to live, work, and spend time. Events like Social on the Square and the new public art trail show how regeneration can be both meaningful and inspiring.”

Mark Whylie, Chair of the Hyde Town Centre High Street Accelerator Partnership, said: “Hyde is energised right now, and it’s down to the incredible collaboration between local businesses, artists, and young people. The Accelerator Partnership is proud to support projects that bring colour, creativity, and opportunity to the town centre. It’s a real testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision.”

Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/hydetowncentre