Hyde’s regeneration efforts bring vibrancy and events to town centre

Hyde town centre is undergoing a vibrant transformation thanks to successful partnership work and strategic investment, bringing tangible benefits to the local community and retailers.

Over recent months, significant improvement works and events have taken place, supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the government’s High Street Task Force Accelerator Programme. These initiatives align with the Hyde Town Centre Masterplan, approved last year, which identified key areas for enhancement to make the town more welcoming and flexible for markets and seasonal events.

One of the highlights of the summer calendar is the return of “Social on the Square,” hosted by Hyde Young Peoples Enterprise (HYPE). The first pilot event was so successful it being repeated, taking place on Saturday 30 August 2025, from 10am to 3pm at Hyde Market Ground. This innovative event continues to celebrate youth innovation, creativity, and community spirit. Delivered in partnership with the Hyde Accelerator Partnership and funded by the UK Government, the event aims to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial ideas. There will be food stalls, entertainment, art workshops and social spaces to enjoy on the day.

This initiative complements broader regeneration efforts led by the Hyde Accelerator Partnership and Tameside Council, funded from the £737,000 secured from the UK Government’s High Street Task Force. These include:

• Upgrades to Hyde Market Ground, including the refurbishment of the market stalls, new planting, and street furniture.
• Tree maintenance, decorative lighting, and bunting in the town centre with further enhancements planned for Millennium Park including a recently installed mural, by local artist oskarwitha.k. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you go and take a peek.
• Community events such as Halloween celebrations, Lantern Parade, and Christmas Markets as well as arts and community events

Further enhancements to the Market Ground will take place in the coming weeks including brand new seating and installation of bespoke planters to create an even more welcoming space for people to visit and spend time to support local businesses and traders. A further £70,000 has also been secured through the Flexible Local Authority Grant Scheme to deliver programmed activity in the town - more details on this will be made available soon.

Hyde town centre businesses are also already taking part in a new and free opportunity to boost visibility and footfall through a creative town centre art trail. Local artist Emma Evans has been commissioned to collaborate with businesses including Jolly Carter, Sincerely Marie, My Back Home Chai and Home Start Host, creating stunning window artwork that will be the main trail features.

More shop windows will be taking part around the town centre so watch this space.

Cllr Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s fantastic to see Hyde coming to life through these creative and community-led projects. The improvements being made aren’t just about infrastructure, they’re about creating spaces where people feel proud to live, work, and spend time. Events like Social on the Square and the new public art trail show how regeneration can be both meaningful and inspiring.”

Mark Whylie, Chair of the Hyde Town Centre High Street Accelerator Partnership, said: “Hyde is energised right now, and it’s down to the incredible collaboration between local businesses, artists, and young people. The Accelerator Partnership is proud to support projects that bring colour, creativity, and opportunity to the town centre. It’s a real testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision.”

Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/hydetowncentre