Developing the Cheadle Town Investment Plan
The Towns Fund is a £3.6bn economic development fund administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), aimed at accelerating the regeneration of towns to deliver long term economic and productivity growth. In 2019, the government invited 101 towns to submit a Town Investment Plan (TIP) as the first stage in the process. Each town could apply for up to £25m of predominantly capital funding over a four to five year period.
SQW was commissioned to support partners in Cheadle - a town within Stockport district - to develop a compelling and well evidenced TIP. We provided support in intervention identification and prioritisation, ensuring that the proposals address local priorities and are fully aligned with national and local economic strategies. This involved a review of the strategic context and a programme of stakeholder consultations. We also presented monthly updates to the Cheadle Towns Fund Board and worked closely with the wider consultant team, including transport planners and public survey specialists.
A summary of the TIP is available here. The TIP sets out a clear understanding of the unique challenges and exciting opportunities facing Cheadle, and focuses on its assets, potential new drivers of growth and infrastructure constraints. It was submitted to MHCLG in October 2020. If successful, Cheadle will move forward to agreeing a Town Deal in 2021.
