Improving tourist infrastructure and becoming more inviting to visitors has long been a primary goal for Saddleworth. Back to the release of the Saddleworth Paris Plan offered by the council in 2009/10, it was detailed that tourism offers a significant boost to the local economy, but that public transport and parking were insufficient.
Fast-forward to the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan 2024-2045 V2.3, also from the SPC, and tourism remains a focus. Still a significant contributor to the economy, it’s proposed that the planning system should encourage and facilitate plans to improve tourism provisions.
Now, we’re seeing several moves aimed at improving tourist infrastructure and options gradually coming to the fore. While invariably met by opposition and limitations, we’re seeing promising moves already to help realise plans to bolster Saddleworth’s natural appeal.
Targeting the Train Line to Improve Transport
Towards the end of last year, it was announced that both the Mossley and Greenfield railway stations would get a significant upgrade. A part of the TRU project, which is backed by billions of pounds, includes improving the section of the route that cuts through Saddleworth at Stalybridge and Diggle.
At that time, the proposals for the upgrades were put to consultation, hoping that they’d get approval for station extensions and extra seating. This section of the Transpennine Route Upgrade has since met opposition. The Saddleworth Parish Council opposed the plans in the area where they’re currently set.
Much of the opposition came because of the impact of the works. They’d apparently cause months of road closures, leading to traffic issues. The council has also taken issue with the plans to work on landmarks and bridges to install the overhead line equipment needed for the station transformation. A public inquiry into these plans is scheduled to conclude on 10 July.
Adding More to the Entertainment and Leisure Scene
Saddleworth is looking to increase the array of leisure and entertainment options, both by way of welcoming limited-time live acts and new permanent venues. One of these looks to be The Cotton, a bar, spa, and restaurant with an outdoor swimming pool and seating area.
The plan is to open this new venture in the unused St Paul’s Church, converting it into a new attraction for locals and tourists. Such a move would be welcomed, especially if its eventual opening is maximised. Many luxury venues announce their openings with a grand promotion or series of perks for newcomers and the first customers.
It’s a practice that customers have come to expect, greatly because many online platforms offer new customer perks. At the UK casino, for example, those who sign up get a welcome bonus after their first deposit. Plus, there are free spins on offer afterwards to use on one of the site’s most popular games.
Free spa days for the first 20 or so customers through the door, or perhaps a discount in the restaurant, would greatly help to bring attention to what could be a very attractive addition to Saddleworth’s leisure scene. There are some limitations for now, though, including the outdoor seating needing to close at 7 pm, but overall, it looks promising.
Even with opposition and limitations, Saddleworth is seeing the right moves being made to further its capacity as a tourist hotspot that will significantly contribute to the local economy for years to come.
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