Waterfoot in Rossendale is set to undergo a significant transformation with a new £20 million masterplan designed to boost the town’s appeal for both residents and visitors. This ambitious plan includes projects focused on improving public spaces, enhancing safety, and promoting outdoor activities.

Illuminating railway tunnels and public art projects

One of the master plan’s immediate priorities is to work with local artists to revitalise Waterfoot via public art projects. Murals, street furniture, and other creative pieces will be installed in prominent locations throughout the city. Furthermore, the proposal intends to repair the lighting of historic railway tunnels, which will not only increase safety but also add to the town’s scenic attractiveness. This project is part of a larger community engagement initiative, with events and activities planned for both locals and visitors.

From bus circles to town squares

A key feature of the masterplan involves redesigning Waterfoot’s existing bus turning circle into a vibrant town square. This new public space will include an expanded children’s play area and may also feature local businesses such as cafés, creating a lively community hub. Improved signage will be installed throughout the town to help visitors easily navigate to important sites, such as car parks and walking trails.

Revitalise heritage sites and promote outdoor tourism

Over the following five to ten years, the masterplan envisions increasingly ambitious initiatives, such as the renovation of Trickett’s Arcade and the revitalisation of abandoned textile factories. These old structures will be rehabilitated and repurposed, combining Waterfoot’s industrial past with contemporary demands. The concept also involves the creation of a scenic riverfront path along the River Irwell, which will connect with existing walking and cycling routes to form a linear park.

Looking ahead, Waterfoot is envisioned as a key hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with plans to build a “base camp” for those exploring the Pennine Bridleway, the Mary Towneley Loop, and other area trails. The proposal includes a variety of lodging choices, such as campsites, hostels, and hotels, to accommodate the expanding number of people visiting the area.

By blending its historical roots with modern amenities, Waterfoot’s masterplan aims to make the town a key destination in Rossendale, offering a perfect mix of leisure, wellness, and outdoor adventure.

Rossendale Borough Council is urging buyers to look into the potential of two old public toilet blocks, which offer an exciting prospect for innovative refurbishment. These locations provide a unique opportunity to turn unused spaces into thriving new enterprises or community assets. The sale is part of the council’s larger drive to adapt historic assets and promote creative uses of local resources.

Details about the properties

The two accessible sites are located in Edenfield and Stacksteads. The Edenfield facility, which has been shuttered for around ten years, and the Stacksteads property, which was shut down during the COVID outbreak, both have distinct opportunities for transformation. These structures are connected to key services such as power and water, making them suitable for a variety of uses. The Edenfield property has a large outdoor space that is perfect for extension, and the Stacksteads site, while smaller, has its own set of unique possibilities.

Successful conversions and future opportunities

Rossendale Borough Council points to a strong track record of comparable conversions. Public toilets in the UK have been converted into a variety of establishments, including residences, holiday lets, restaurants, pubs, cafés, and even a theatre in Newport, Wales. Locally, a disused toilet block has been transformed into a barbershop, with plans to convert another into a cyclists’ café. This history of successful changes indicates the potential that these locations have.

Chris Grundy, the Council’s Senior Property Officer, feels these facilities would be suitable for a variety of uses, including charity offices, commercial spaces, coffee shops, and even ice cream parlours.

The council’s call for innovation

The council encourages potential buyers to “fulfil your dream” of upgrading these buildings for the sake of the community. Local Councillor Adrian Lythgoe notes that the successful renovation of similar locations demonstrates that these properties may be usefully repurposed.

These structures, which were once essential to community infrastructure, are now poised for a fresh lease of life thanks to inventive redevelopment. This auction not only offers a unique investment opportunity, but it also helps to revitalise local communities.