Haslingden town is set to receive a transformative boost through the Haslingden Big Lamp Project. With £2.8 million in investment, the project promises to revitalise the town centre.
Haslingden town is set to receive a transformative boost through the Haslingden Big Lamp Project. With £2.8 million in investment, the project promises to revitalise the town centre, preserving its rich heritage while ushering in a new era of prosperity. The National Lottery Heritage Fund are supporting the project with £1.9m of funding, with further funding secured from Rossendale Borough Council, and dedicated private individuals who share a passion for preserving the past and enhancing the future. The financial backing will enable the revitalisation of several key objectives, including the restoration of heritage shopfronts and vital repairs, as well as substantial improvements to the public realm on Deardengate.
The works on site began on September 6, focusing its initial efforts on four priority buildings that stand as testaments to Haslingden’s enduring history and vibrant future:
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Fuel N Vape
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Lifestyle by Homecare Services/Hazelwood Homecare
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David Gould Opticians
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Burgess Worden Opticians
The works are being delivered by Buttress and Rosslee Construction. Buttress, a leading architectural studio based in the north, boasts an impressive track record in heritage consultancy, restoration, repair, and the conservation of significant buildings. Rosslee Construction, complements the team with their experience in new builds, refurbishments, alterations, extensions, restoration, heritage, and maintenance work.
The Haslingden Big Lamp Project is a shared partnership initiative with 75 percent of grant funding provided by the project itself, while the remaining 25 percent is contributed by building owners who share a vested interest in the town’s rejuvenation. Critical repair works will include the reinstatement and repair of traditional shopfronts, enhanced signage, stone cleaning, sash window restoration, lime repointing, and more.
Ryan Godwin, Director at Lifestyle by Homecare Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “In renovating the front elevation, we feel that we are adding to the charm of the main street and preserving the history of Rossendale. “Our office reflects our community values. We support the local community and are excited to see the building being restored and a great addition to Deardengate. “We are proud and happy to be part of improvements in Haslingden, especially as Hazelwood has its origins in Haslingden from our beginnings 40 years ago.”
Councillor Annie McMahon, Heritage and Design Champion, said: “As Heritage Champion for Rossendale, I’m proud and delighted to be part of the development of the Haslingden Big Lamp Project and to see work beginning. “Our Heritage Staff in Economic Development, led by their Director David Smurthwaite, believe strongly that Heritage should be at the heart of economic development. “They have worked long and hard to get funding for Haslingden to build on its existing character and know that building on and improving existing heritage buildings will attract more people into Haslingden and gradually this will impact on bringing vibrancy and money into Haslingden. I wish them all the very best of luck.” Rossendale Borough Council Leader Alyson Barnes expressed her excitement for the project, saying: “The Haslingden Big Lamp Project is a testament to the dedication and vision of our community. It embodies our commitment to preserving our heritage while creating a vibrant and prosperous future. “This investment not only enhances Haslingden’s charm but also supports local businesses and attracts visitors. It’s a great step forward in the regeneration for Haslingden .“ The Haslingden Big Lamp Project encourages active engagement from building owners along Higher Deardengate and invites inquiries and questions through its Heritage Regeneration Officer, Laabiyah Iqbal.
For more information, please contact:
Laabiyah Iqbal Heritage Regeneration Officer Tel: 01706 252 480 Email: LaabiyahIqbal@rossendalebc.gov.uk
