Find Out More about Todmorden Town Deal’s Enterprise Centre & Fielden Hall Projects as part of Calder Valley Community Land Trust’s Ten-Year Birthday Celebrations
As part of their ten-year birthday celebration event on 14th November in Fielden Hall, Todmorden Town Deal partner, Calder Valley Community Land Trust is offering an opportunity for people to come along for an informal chat at 6.00 pm about progress on their two Town Deal funded projects: the new enterprise centre and housing at Ferney Lee, and development of a more sustainable and energy-efficient Fielden Hall.
The Todmorden Town Deal projects led by the Calder Valley Community Land Trust (CVCLT) aim to bring modern jobs to Todmorden by offering low-carbon, energy-efficient workspaces and homes at Ferney Lee; and at the Grade II Listed Fielden Hall, to improve the environmental and financial sustainability of a much-loved heritage building through energy-efficient measures designed to secure its future as an accessible, community-owned and used building.
The new Enterprise Centre will provide 23 affordable professional rented facilities for small and start-up businesses, as well as more established enterprises, grasping a rare opportunity to build a new commercial workspace where Todmorden’s local enterprise can take root and grow.
Separate to Town Deal funding, 19 energy-efficient, affordable rented homes will be developed as part of the building. The tendering process for construction of the new enterprise centre is currently in progress.
Retrofit designs for Fielden Hall have now been completed and that work forecasts a remarkable 41% energy reduction, with 87% less carbon emissions, meaning that the former Victorian schoolhouse will be just 14% off carbon zero. The planning application has been submitted and the tendering process is underway with completion of the retrofit targeted for March 2025.
The celebration event on 14th November marks ten years since the Calder Valley Community Land Trust, a community benefit society, first began its work to create secure tenancies in good quality, affordable homes, alongside the creation of community spaces in the Calder Valley.
The event will be facilitated by Pam Warhurst, Incredible Edible and Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, and feature a keynote address from respected writer and activist, Isaac Rose, who has reflected on lessons learnt on the regeneration experience in Manchester through his book ‘The Rentier City: Manchester and the Making of the Neoliberal Metropolis’ published earlier this year.
The event will explore what can be learnt from Manchester and what solutions can be applied in the Calder Valley. It will also provide an opportunity to look at the Trust’s successes over the last 10 years and look forward to some exciting projects that are in the pipeline, including the Town Deal projects.
Pam Warhurst, Director, Incredible Edible and Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board said:
“I’m delighted to be part of this wonderful celebration for one of Calder Valley’s most dedicated community led organisations whose work is vital in bringing more energy efficient homes and workspaces to local people, businesses and communities.
“As a Town Deal partner, they are leading the way in how heritage buildings can be repurposed for a successful future and how we can start to create opportunities for modern jobs for our young people in their local area.”
Oliver Chan, Trustee, Calder Valley Community Land Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to be marking this significant anniversary for the Trust with a celebration event at the historic Fielden Hall and welcoming people to find out more about all our work including our exciting Todmorden Town Deal projects.”
The celebration event is being delivered in partnership with the Calderdale Trade Union Council, and Todmorden based Imaginary Wines will be running a wine and beer pop up stall throughout the evening.
The event formally starts at 7 pm but all are welcome to come along at 6.00 pm, for an informal chat with the Calder Valley Community Land Trust team about the two Town Deal projects, and other work underway.
To learn more about the event, visit https://caldervalleyclt.org.uk/our-public-meetings/ and to register to attend, visit: https://rentier-valley.eventbrite.co.uk
