First look at masterplan to rejuvenate Hyde town centre which could see market relocated and tree-lined streets

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The first look at a masterplan for how Hyde could be rejuvenated over the next two decades has been revealed. A four week public consultation will launch in May to get people’s views on the new vision for Hyde town centre, which aims at ‘unlocking’ its ‘comprehensive redevelopment’.

The programme is envisioned to take 15 to 20 years, with both short and long-term goals being set by the local authority. The draft proposals aim to make Hyde a ‘desirable place to live, socialise and shop’ and a ‘thriving hub for daily urban life’, reversing a decline in its ‘viability and vitality’.

Once adopted it will act as a ‘material consideration’ as part of any planning applications that are submitted in the area in the future. “Cultural resurgence is at the heart of the masterplan and this will define the area’s future reinforcing its distinctive character, allowing Hyde to flourish and find its own identity within the context of Greater Manchester and the North West,” a cabinet report states. READ MORE: Former Droylsden police station to be turned into flats under new proposals As part of the plans, the Town Hall could be re-purposed to be a vibrant cultural hub for Hyde and the wider borough, with the newly pedestrianised areas around it creating a flexible space for its activities to ‘spill out’, officers say.

The markets could be re-located to new, ‘high quality facilities in a prime location’ on Market Place. Meanwhile Market Square would become a ‘flexible, high quality public realm environment’ suitable for markets and events.