Tameside UK Shared Prosperity Fund continues bringing successful results

Over the last eighteen months, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has delivered brilliant results across Tameside, exceeding expectations in number of key areas and creating a lasting positive impact for the borough’s residents and businesses.

The £3.812 million allocated to Tameside has been effectively spent across three investment priorities:

• £1.979m for Communities & Place
• £1.215m for Supporting Local Business
• £0.618m for People & Skills

With funding on track to be spent, there are a range of impressive achievements that highlight the program’s success. A number of targets set have not just been met but have been exceeded:

• 1,787 M² of commercial space has been improved or delivered
• Over 250,000 square metres of public realm including pedestrian pathways have been improved
• Over 270 local events and activities have been held or supported
• More than 690 socially excluded individuals have accessed support

The fund’s impact extends to broader outcomes, and has been driving growth creating key jobs, engaging the community, and highlighting growth in community engagement, encouraging economic development.

• 64 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs have been created
• 193 Community-led Arts, Cultural, Heritage, and Creative Programmes programs have been supported
• Footfall has been increased across town centre attracting and engaging 907,366 visitors through events
• 310 volunteer opportunities and roles established, exceeding the target set

Ashton Market Hall is also set to be upgraded using £250,000 of UKSPF funding in line with ambitions for the Market Square. Works will change some of the layout to support existing traders and bring in a wider age range of customers by offering an improved food and beverage area. This will support more activities and events and enhance the market offer and the toilet and changing facilities will also be updated as part of the works.

Improvements to Hyde Market Ground identified through the Hyde Town Centre Masterplan are currently underway utilising £75,000 of funds. Following discussions with market traders work is underway to remove a number of the fixed market stalls which will be replaced with a more flexible parasol provision with two of the existing fixed stalls remaining. 

Cultural initiatives such as Stalybridge Street Fest have enriched community life, while improvements to playgrounds and paving have refreshed parks, greenspaces, and town centres.

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader & Executive Member (Growth, Housing and Homelessness said:

"The UKSPF funding has been brilliant for Tameside. These achievements are a testament to our commitment to building vibrant communities, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for all. Whether it’s through revitalised spaces, thriving local events, or increased business support, this funding continues to make a real difference."

For more information about ongoing UKSPF projects in Tameside, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/UKSPF.