Haslingden town centre

Building on successful work in Bacup, IntoPlaces is helping Rossendale Borough Council understand the impact of Haslingden’s regeneration and identify practical next steps to support its continued revitalisation.

Context

As the smallest of Rossendale’s main town centres, Haslingden had not attracted much investor interest.

Local people had negative perceptions of the town. and its neglected heritage buildings and high vacancy rate did little to overcome that image.

Our approach: demonstrating how Haslingden 2040 is turning vision into reality

Following a successful funding bid, alongside Council investment, ambitious plans are underway to revitalise Haslingden town centre – building on its distinctive heritage and historic architecture to create stronger reasons for people to visit.

IntoPlaces is working with Rossendale Borough Council and key stakeholders to engage local people, businesses and community groups, providing insight and recommendations to support long-term sustainability and continued place activation.

What’s been achieved so far

Haslingden’s physical regeneration works and place activation projects span a five-year period, and are now in their final phase. During this time, there have been many notable successes, including:

  • Secured funding and delivery of a year-round events programme
  • Redevelopment of Haslingden Market, creating a community hub and events space
  • Creation of enhanced pedestrian links between key areas of the town
  • Increased footfall, dwell time, and local spend through a varied Events Programme
  • Encouraged collaboration between the diverse community organisations
  • Reactivation of the Haslingden Business Group
  • Reduction in vacant units through business grant scheme and support
  • Launch of pop up stalls to encourage entrepreneurship, with mentoring support
  • Encouraged youth involvement and intergenerational activities
  • Updating of the dedicated Haslingden 2040 website and active social media presence

An increasing awareness of Haslingden’s unique heritage and community assets

The sympathetic heritage building restoration works have raised the profile of the town and encouraged heritage building skills training and collaborative working with landlords.

There is increasing collaborative working on projects to green and clean the town and celebrate Haslingden’s diverse communities through community events and activities.

Key takeaway

Small towns can play a part in the overall dynamics of an area, with their own unique characteristics that complement the other nearby towns and add to the rich mix within.

By working in partnership, even more can be achieved to reactivate a town, complementing physical regeneration work, turning negative perceptions into positivity about a place, and creating sustainability.

What impact could your regeneration deliver?

Talk to us about how to turn regeneration into lasting impact for your place.