The Big Lamp Project
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Project timeline: 2021-2026
Haslingden is a historic mill town home to cobbled streets, an 18th Century listed merchant’s house and many 19th Century buildings. It holds possibly the oldest street market licence in England, with markets regularly held there since at least 1555.
Following the development of the Haslingden 2040 Vision, in July 2021, Rossendale Borough Council were successful in a grant funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for over £1.8m.
Due to a prolonged period of under-investment and post-industrial decline, the condition of the buildings in Haslingden’s town centre has been impacted greatly. In an effort to revitalise this historic town centre, Rossendale Borough Council received £1,837,700 for their project, Big Lamp - Shining Light on Haslingden's Heritage. The funding will support a five year project which aims to regenerate the area and encourage community engagement with the town and its heritage.
The project plans to create a new town square which will be used for community events, such as food markets and festivals. It also plans to:
- introduce a cycling infrastructure
- widen pavements
- refurbish its ‘Big Lamp’ (a local landmark)
- improve the area for wildlife and the environment
- introduce a one-way traffic system
- create Sustainable Urban Drainage systems
The Big Lamp project hopes to see growth in visitors to Haslingden following the town’s regeneration. The increased footfall will also support the local economy, bolstering existing businesses and creating new opportunities.
Project outcomes
The map of Deardengate demonstrates the transformation taking place in Haslingden town centre. This includes:
- Transformation of the northern stretch of Deardengate into a bustling town square, developing community engagement through vibrant activities and outdoor seating
- Improved pedestrian routes throughout the town centre linking retail hubs and residential areas
- Soft landscaping and electric charging points
- A revitalised market experience offering food, retail and events
You can follow the progress of The Big Lamp Project on the Haslingden 2040 website
