Tameside is in for two new train stations, thanks to the approval of the area’s ‘Homes, Spaces, Places‘ plan. The plan is also set to see plenty of development in the Greater Manchester borough, including almost 10,000 new homes, improving existing transport infrastructure and redeveloping East Manchester town centres.
The ‘Homes, Spaces, Places’ Plan for Tameside
Tameside Council has approved a comprehensive 20-year vision for the borough’s growth, titled ‘Homes, Spaces, Places‘. This strategic plan, developed following public consultation, will guide all future planning decisions until 2042.
It outlines how town centres will be redesigned and specifies locations for thousands of new homes and other significant developments.
Transport infrastructure improvements
The plan views enhanced transport as essential for economic growth and tackling social exclusion. Key initiatives include:
- Rail: Two new train stations are proposed at Droylsden/Ashton Moss West and Dukinfield/Dewsnap, alongside improvements to all existing stations.
- Tram: The strategy calls for the expansion and better integration of the tram network.
- Roads and Buses: Construction of the A57 Links Road (Mottram to Tintwistle Bypass) is set to begin to alleviate traffic congestion. This will be supported by the further integration of the Bee Network for buses and trams.
Housing and commercial development
A central part of the strategy is large-scale construction. The key development targets include:
- 9,700 new homes
- 17,055 square metres of new office space
- 277,930 square metres of industrial and warehousing space
- Three additional pitches for gypsy and traveller accommodation.
Major housing projects are planned for Godley Green Garden Village and south of Hyde, aligning with the wider ‘Places for Everyone’ plan for Greater Manchester. Town centres, especially Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge, are also identified as prime locations for higher-density housing due to their accessibility.
Revitalisation of town centres
The plan aims to revive Tameside’s town centres (including Ashton, Denton, and Hyde), which have faced challenges like declining footfall and rising vacancies due to changing shopping habits. Based on public feedback, the strategy will focus on:
- Diversifying Use: Transforming town centres into community hubs with a mix of housing, employment, leisure, and community facilities, moving away from a sole reliance on retail.
- Improving Choice: Creating defined shopping areas, enhancing existing markets, and introducing new ones to improve the retail and leisure offering.
- Increasing Residential Presence: Encouraging more housing in and around town centres is considered vital to boost footfall and create a greater sense of safety.
The planned scale and timings of the redevelopment in Tameside is yet to be set out. You can see the plan in full and see updates here.