Town centre regeneration takes step forward with new multi-storey car park plan

The transformation of Stalybridge town centre is moving at pace – with plans for massive multi-storey car park tabled.

Tameside council has submitted proposals to build a new 171‑space car park on Waterloo Road in Stalybridge. 

It represents an important step in the ambitious scheme to transform the area and support future growth, the town hall says. 

It follows an earlier application for a new pedestrian footbridge, which will make it easier and safer for people to move across the River Tame and reach different parts of the town.

If plans are approved, the multi-storey will replace the existing surface car park. It has been designed by TODD Architects to seamlessly mesh with the nearby buildings and the character of Stalybridge, at a good distance from nearby houses. 

The car park will include 151 standard spaces; 13 accessible spaces for people with disabilities; four electric vehicle charging spaces; and motorcycle parking.

Proposals also include a new pedestrian route along King Street leading directly to the car park entrance to make the area easier to navigate. Better links to Stalybridge Clinic and Waterloo Road are also touted.

The latest development comes on the back of plans being submitted in December for the new pedestrian and cycle bridge. The new bridge over the River Tame would connect Water Street and Caroline Street in the western edge of the town centre.

The area around the train station is destined to welcome new housing, improved roads, public realm upgrades, as well as the new multi-storey car park under a £11.1m scheme to give Stalybridge’s western edge a facelift. Four underused plots of land were ‘unlocked’ by town hall bosses last year to facilitate the scheme.

Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “With the footbridge application already submitted and the car park application now progressing, we’re delivering improvements that will make it easier to get around the town. 

“Together with the upcoming work at Armentieres Square, the Old Town Hall Gardens, Trinity Street, and other key projects on, this will support new housing and help Stalybridge grow as a vibrant and welcoming place.”

This car park is part of the wider Stalybridge Capital Regeneration Programme, which aims to improve public spaces, strengthen transport links and create a more connected town centre.

CGI of how Stalybridge's new multi-storey car park could look. Credit: Tameside Council