We are grateful to Tameside Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for meeting with us on Friday 28th November to discuss the future of the Park Bridge Heritage Centre.
We have always maintained that, for a sustainable future which protects Park Bridge’s heritage, environment and community, it is essential that the Heritage Centre remains a council-led, community-powered project.
Unfortunately, the council is not currently in a position to lead on this.
There is an option for us, as a community group, to secure funding and take on the lease for the Heritage Centre ourselves. However, as a new group, we are realistic about what we can achieve. We have no track record in delivering large capital projects and are only just beginning to build the funding history essential for securing the substantial grants required.
While we were initially successful in halting the marketing of the Heritage Centre for private sale, Tameside Council plans to resume marketing in the new year to gather expressions of interest.
We understand the council’s need to manage budgets, but our determination to see the Heritage Centre reopened as a community asset has not wavered.
More than 1,000 people have signed our petition to prevent a private sale, and our campaign has political backing from Angela Rayner MP and our local ward councillors.
We have a clear mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure this 155-year-old heritage site is reopened as a much‑needed community hub and safe space for families and young people, offering free and inclusive heritage and nature learning.
We maintain a positive working relationship with Tameside Council and appreciate their transparency and willingness to collaborate.
Through ongoing discussions, we have learned of another interested party looking to take on the Heritage Centre. Encouragingly, their proposal aligns with our values, and we are exploring ways to work with them, offering our support and guidance.
We are hopeful that, with continued collaboration and community support, a sustainable future for the Heritage Centre is within reach.
We’ll continue to work hard behind the scenes and will keep you updated on any developments as soon as they happen.