Tameside named as North West’s first ‘Heritage Place’ in major National Lottery investment

Tameside has been chosen by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as one of six new areas to benefit from a multi-million-pound UK-wide investment, as part of its ambitious Heritage Places initiative.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for the borough, making Tameside the first designated Heritage Place in both Greater Manchester and the North West of England. The initiative aims to unlock the potential of local heritage, placing it at the heart of regeneration, community pride, and economic growth.

Under the Heritage Fund’s £200 million plan, up to 20 areas across the UK will receive long-term investment to connect people to the heritage where they live, work, and visit. Tameside joins six new locations, Barking & Dagenham, Belfast Historic Waterfront, Dudley, the Orkney Islands, and Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey), alongside nine others announced in 2023.

From its industrial roots to its cultural traditions, Tameside’s heritage runs deep. The borough encompasses nine distinct towns, including Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde, Stalybridge, and Mossley, and is home to more than 300 listed buildings and three Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Tameside’s history goes far beyond its built environment. It is the historic home of the Manchester Regiment and the birthplace of the world-famous Whit Friday Brass Band contests. Local brass bands have played a defining role in shaping the borough’s cultural identity, a legacy that continues to thrive today.

Tameside Council has been working closely with The National Lottery Heritage Fund to harness this heritage potential and use it as a springboard for local regeneration and community pride.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, praised Tameside’s selection: "Tameside is well known for its rich industrial legacy, but there's a big breadth of fantastic heritage to discover and enjoy. From stunning landscapes to fascinating cultural memories that live on today, it is the ideal choice to be our first Heritage Place in Greater Manchester and the North West of England.

"Each of our six new Heritage Places holds incredible potential. We want heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained - for everyone, now and for generations to come. This is made possible thanks to National Lottery players."

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader of Tameside Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: "Heritage is incredibly important to us in Tameside - it's not just about our people, our communities, and our stories. From our industrial heritage and brass bands through to our Whit Friday contests and canal networks linking us to the world, our past continues to shape our future.

"It's fantastic to have our rich heritage recognised at a national level. This partnership will help us care for, protect, and grow our cultural and heritage assets for generations to come."

The Heritage Places initiative will support Tameside in forming long-term partnerships, exploring new opportunities for investment, and developing the skills needed to preserve and promote its unique assets. Similar work in other Heritage Places, such as Stoke-on-Trent and Armagh City, has already resulted in strategic heritage plans, capital projects, and skills development initiatives.

The programme is a cornerstone of Heritage 2033, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ten-year strategy to help communities and nature thrive together.

Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded over £9 billion to more than 48,000 projects across the UK, all made possible by National Lottery players.

For more information about The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Heritage Places initiative, visit: www.heritagefund.org.uk