Introduction
The Riverside site had been underutilised for 20 years with just one single interest sport making use of the site.
Disrepair of the less visible elements is evident on inspection. The structure of the pavilion building is sound, but the internal facilities and services are in poor condition and not sustainable as with modern builds.
Upper Calder Valley Renaissance (UCVR) has had ownership since 2016 and it has secured funding for many minor improvements to enable the site to widen its use in the last six years. But the site needed major investments to allow income-generating activities to make it sustainable. The Town Deal funding is the first of targeted major funds to be secured.
This investment will be used to refurbish and modernise the pavilion building so it is fit for purpose. The site will be developed into a modern multi-use facility with leisure and training course accommodation alongside expanded sports provision
A café is proposed to complement the recreation, leisure and sports facilities. Riverside’s transformation, on a main access route, will announce the town’s ambitions and progress.
UCVR is a not-for-profit social purpose organisation and funds will be reinvested in facilities, employment and maintenance.
Find out more and keep in touch with the latest developments at THE RIVERSIDE CENTRE website.
Upper Calder Valley Renaissance (UCVR) has had ownership since 2016 and it has secured funding for many minor improvements to enable the site to widen its use in the last six years. But the site needed major investments to allow income-generating activities to make it sustainable. The Town Deal funding is the first of targeted major funds to be secured.
This investment will be used to refurbish and modernise the pavilion building so it is fit for purpose. The site will be developed into a modern multi-use facility with leisure and training course accommodation alongside expanded sports provision
A café is proposed to complement the recreation, leisure and sports facilities. Riverside’s transformation, on a main access route, will announce the town’s ambitions and progress.
UCVR is a not-for-profit social purpose organisation and funds will be reinvested in facilities, employment and maintenance.
Find out more and keep in touch with the latest developments at THE RIVERSIDE CENTRE website.
Project Outline
Imagine a beautifully located, but underused recreation and green space transformed into:
- A busy hub of leisure and activity for the wider community, including those less abled, to improve their health and wellbeing
- A place where local sports can have quality outdoor facilities with modern amenities
- The Riverside Centre in Walsden has all this potential, and much more…
What It Will Achieve
Town Deal funding will enable refurbishment for existing users and development of the space for more activities and wider community and all ability use.
It will support:
- Collaboration with local schools to develop and house a Forest School
- All ability cycling track to enable all to gain confidence and learn
- Playing field improvements to reach high standards for schools, clubs, and individuals
- Refurbishment to the pavilion building including: modern changing facilities, a larger indoor activity space, social space and equipment storage
- Essential repairs to structure: roof, sustainable lighting and heating energy systems, restoration of environmental sewage package plant
- Improved and safer vehicle access to the site
- Ultimately the project aims to provide the appropriate facilities to secure a sustainable future for Riverside through a varied mix of paid-for and grant-funded activities in the building and on the site.
Progress So Far
Now that our Full Business Case has been approved, we have:
- Appointed a design team including architect, landscape architects and costs consultants
- Appointed a Capital Project Manager.
The Next Steps
The team will now do the following in partnership with key stakeholders:
- Develop detailed designs and plans, specifications and costings
- Start tendering process, as required, to prioritise local contractors
- Apply for specific planning and other statutory permissions.
In parallel, we are:
- Developing a fully costed business plan and marketing plan
- Seeking additional investments as match funding
- Working with key stakeholders at both strategic and operational level.
Towns Fund Alignment
✓ Arts, culture & heritage
✓ Skills infrastructure
✓ Covid-19 recovery plan
✓ Clean growth
Strategic Alignment
✓ National Planning Policy Framework
✓ Visit Britain & Visit England 5-Year Plan
✓ Towards an Active Nation
✓ West Yorkshire Strategic Economic Framework
✓ Welcome to Yorkshire Recovery Plan
✓ Leeds City Region Destination Plan
✓ Calderdale Playing Pitch Strategy
✓ Active Calderdale Strategy
✓ Calderdale Visitor Economy Strategy
✓ Draft Todmorden Neighbourhood Plan
Town Deal Funding will:
- Increase participation in physical activity
- Improve physical and mental well-being
- Offer more diverse and inclusive sports
- Provide training and visitor accommodation
- Create jobs in leisure, sports and tourism
About The Project Lead
Upper Calder Valley Renaissance (UCVR) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, supporting the community, enterprise, and environmental development. See www.ucvr.org.uk
As “a safe pair of hands” for the site UCVR have:
- Secured local ownership for future generations
- Already raised c.£50,000 for improvement of facilities
- Submitted a Full Business Case to government for investment
- Met government criteria on local health and welfare strategy
- Acquired woodland for education, scouting, and mental health groups
- Proposed educational activities as part of the site’s development
- Engaged supportive community groups likely to use the site for events/activities
- Managed the site through economic difficulties pre and post Covid
Funder
Accountable Body
Project Lead
Funder
Accountable Body
Project Lead