The restoration of the bandstand and transformation of the bowling pavilion in Todmorden’s Centre Vale Park has taken a step forward as Town Deal partner, Todmorden Town Council, opens an Invitation to Tender for contractors to deliver work on the Bandstand and Bowling Pavilion.
The re-development of the bowling pavilion and renovation of the bandstand are key elements of a package of improvements to Centre Vale Park funded through Todmorden Town Deal’s £17.5M investment programme, including upgrading of the existing tennis courts and the creation of a Multi-Use Games Area. The Centre Vale Park project aims to develop opportunities for local residents and visitors to improve their health and wellbeing and benefit from higher quality sports, leisure and recreation facilities in the park.
The Grade II listed Edwardian bandstand in Centre Vale Park is one of only five surviving open fronted ‘theatre’ style bandstands in the UK, remaining a highly visible and historic local landmark in the town for over a century. The project will see a full restoration of the unique structure, securing its future for community use for performance, festivals and events throughout the year.
The redevelopment of the bowling pavilion will provide a brand new, modern, flexible and accessible base for the various community groups who are active in the park, including Todmorden in Bloom, Military Veterans, Todmorden Bowling Association and Friends of Centre Vale Park.
Progress to this significant stage in the project follows the granting of planning permissions earlier this year and the execution of leases from Calderdale Council, enabling Todmorden Town Council to take on ownership of both the bandstand and the bowling pavilion.
Pam Warhurst, Chair Todmorden Town Deal Board said:
“As a Board, our approach is to foster and support local partnerships that can deliver the robust processes and due diligence required to achieve our ambitions across a range of priorities. We are delighted that through this collaborative approach another milestone has been reached for our Centre Vale Park project.
“We are especially keen for local companies to review the Tender package and consider if they might be in a position to put themselves forward to take part in the necessary procurement process.”
Cllr Denis Skelton, Todmorden Town Council and Todmorden Town Deal Board, said:
“Reaching this stage of development for both the bandstand and the bowling pavilion has been highly complex, requiring a collaborative and diligent partnership between Todmorden Town Council and Calderdale Council, alongside dedicated strategic support from Todmorden Town Deal Board.
“We are delighted that after months of hard and detailed work from the officers and project managers involved, the procurement process is now underway to secure the appointment of contractors for these important features of the Centre Vale Park project.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“This is a significant step forward for the Centre Vale Park project as part of the Todmorden Town Deal and we’re pleased to be supporting this work. The improvements at this much-loved facility will ensure that it can continue to be a place where people can enjoy to meet, spend more time and live healthy and active lives.
“The Grade II listed bandstand and the bowling pavilion are both key landmarks in the park and their restoration will ensure that more people can use and enjoy these heritage assets.
“As part of our priority for thriving towns and places, we want local businesses to get involved in this and other projects as part of the £17.5million Town Deal and benefit from the major opportunities offered by this investment.”
The Invitation to Tender has also been enabled through the securing of just under £500K additional funding by Todmorden Town Council to match the Town Deal investment, including £250k Community Ownership Fund award for the Bandstand and £200k from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the Bowling Pavilion.
Interested parties may find out more by visiting: https://todmorden-tc.gov.uk/tenders/(external link)
Following the Tender process, it is hoped to appoint a contractor in the new year and the aim is for completion of the works in Autumn 2025, but this is subject to change.
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