Waterfoot strives to continue creative legacy with arts-based masterplan
Plans aim to transform the Rossendale town into “a place to relax and unwind, a place for adventure, a place for arts and culture to thrive, a place for all”.
Approved by the local authority’s cabinet last week, the masterplan has been designed by landscape architect Square Yard.
The masterplan’s objectives aim to highlight Waterfoot’s cultural history by increasing footfall in the town centre and improving pedestrian connections.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will invest £300,000 into the project, which will also receive a degree of support from the £20m Long Term Plan for Towns Funding.
The masterplan is shaped around key projects that will act as catalysts for the town’s regeneration.
Rossendale Council hopes to acquire and fit out a shop in the grade two-listed Trickett’s Arcade to serve as a central community hub.
It wants the space to be versatile and able to host workshops, exhibitions, and events with a local focus.
This project will also improve the public realm between the Arcade, Victoria Mill, and the former Railway pub.
Additionally, the creation of a micro-grant scheme for artists – prioritising local artists – will hope to outwardly express Waterfoot’s offer as a creative hub.
Waterfoot’s vacant mills are being targeted for repurposing with a desire to meet the town’s modern needs while preserving its industrial heritage.
The introduction of a temporary public realm, in the form of a flexible outdoor venue, would establish Waterfoot’s town centre as a gathering place and an area for events and performances.
A rework of the town’s bus turning circle into a plaza named ‘Mytholme Place’ would strive to establish a new civic heart for Waterfoot, with a pavilion development as its anchor.
In the longer term, the Riverside Walk Development would develop space behind high-street shops on Bacup Road, to create a “picturesque riverside walk”, according to plans.
Furthermore, a linear park – coined ‘Little Venice’ – would be established along the riverside.
Residents of Waterfoot affectionately call their riverside ‘Little Venice’. Credit: via planning documents
The concept of a base camp to support the growing visitor economy would set the ball rolling for future accommodation developments of campsites, hotels, and backpacking hostels.
This accommodation offer would align with plans for ‘The Warth’, a rural wellness retreat development that would offer a swimming pool, gym, cinema, spa, hotel, restaurant, and events venue.
Cllr Nick Harris said: “This masterplan is a huge step forward for Waterfoot. It celebrates the town’s unique character, its strong sense of community, and its artistic legacy.”
“We have an incredible opportunity to make Waterfoot a hub for creativity, culture, and business.”
He continued: “This first step will allow us to create spaces where people can gather, collaborate, and experience the best of what our town has to offer.”
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Just call it ‘Greater Hebden Bridge’
By Anonymous
Sounds good, but is there plan for parking in the area which ‘may’ bring in more cars?
By Josie
I have lived and worked in Waterfoot. for over 60 years and at a loss to find the Waterfoot you are describing, could Mr Nick Harris explain where these “Gems” are hiding or even existing, as I commented in the meeting at the old Library you are doing it to spend £300,000 pounds on your own vanity projects. Why not put it to a vote??
By Colin Brennan
Waterfoot is of course where Horse & Bamboo Theatre is based, a great arts institution. I can understand Rossendale Borough Council building upon this for an arts-centred regeneration.
By Rye
I think this is brilliant for the valley and brilliant for Waterfoot. There are always going to be those visionless people who are ‘at a loss’, and those who can’t see beyond the end of their nose and are only concerned about parking. However, they’re generally the older folk who will be long dead before this plan is realised and therefore should be ignored as it’s not for them. Hebden Bridge in the 1970’s was in a much similar state to how Waterfoot is now – A big artistic community hidden away – Look at it now. I’m personally well pleased with this vision and congrats to those involved for such an audacious plan for what is a potentially stunning place!
By Anonymous