A Message From The Board
A Message From The Board
A Message From The Board
Todmorden is an extraordinary market town.
From its Nobel Prizewinners to the birthplace of the citizens’ food movement Incredible Edible; its orchestras and choirs; theatre and festivals; Todmorden folks punch above their weight.
But over the years, the lack of investment in its infrastructure and significant buildings has weakened the ability of the town as a whole to embrace an inclusive prosperity which helps all of its citizens prosper in turn.
The data shows that the town does not provide local opportunities for young working-age people to access employment. Its topography makes it vulnerable to climate change incidents particularly flooding. And yet nothing has weakened the heartbeat of Todmorden and its determination to be a beacon market town for 21st-century commerce, creativity and wellbeing.
That is why so many Todmorden residents proposed projects each of which were rich in opportunities and aspiration. Projects connected by the threads of resilience, health, enterprise and creativity. Projects that collectively invest in a better future for the town; for the young to grow up with hope and the old to live with respect and dignity.
This is our time to realise our ambitions for the town.
Over five months the board has worked to identify threats and opportunities. To scrutinise the evidence base for investment. To talk to individuals and organisations across the spectrum of interests and pull together the many great projects contained within this plan. To make good the promises of the past and invest in the priorities identified through many community consultations. The need for an enhanced skills base, enterprise and performance spaces, stronger visitor economy, green infrastructure, homes and a sustainable and resilient future.
The projects are amazing.
From an Enterprise Centre for local food skills and active travel, to Todmorden Community Learning centre as a centre of excellence for sustainable building skills. From enhanced civic spaces for our many festivals, to significantly increased work and business spaces for our artists and entrepreneurs. Homes to be proud of in the heart of our town, showcasing the very best of sustainable design and building. Visitors and locals alike benefitting from improved green spaces and investment in our wonderful park; a programme of improvements for our Grade 1 listed Town Hall and community-run theatre; and the creation of much-needed visitor facilities bringing together all that is best from our local producers and services.
With the passion of Todmorden folks backing us all the way, we believe here we have a programme of works that will build on what’s already great about Todmorden, but ensure its survival and prosperity in changing times and climate. It’s fun, it’s aspirational, it’s ambitious, but more than anything it shouts
Todmorden, we’re ready for the challenge.
An Award-Winning Town
An Award-Winning Town
Todmorden has proven itself over and over again to be a town which pulls together at times of need. And not just in the face of adversity (of which, unfortunately, there has been far too much of over recent years) but also in pursuit of a positive purpose.
Incredible Edible, Todmorden in Bloom and Keep Tod Tidy are just a few of the many established local organisations who continue to make a marked impression on the communal areas in the town.
Perhaps no greater example of the community coming together was for the Great British High Street Awards campaign of 2018. Initiated and driven by the newly formed business network group Todconnect, local businesses, community groups, schools and the council, worked tirelessly over several months to bring the initiatives outlined in our bid to fruition.
After all the hard work it was a hugely proud moment for all involved when Todmorden was crowned Rising Star Award Winner at a ceremony in London that November.
Remarkably the same year, Todmorden Indoor Market was announced the Best Small Indoor Market in the Great British Markets Awards making 2018 a fantastic one for the town – and laying a cornerstone for which the Towns Fund investment will help us to build and grow.