Sir Geoff Hurst guest of honour at ASK’s St Petersfield official launch
Date: 02/05/2007
Source: Internal Press Release
SIR Geoffrey Hurst MBE was Guest of Honour at the official launch of Ask Developments’ St Petersfield scheme in his home town of Ashton-Under-Lyne.
He was joined by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Margaret Sidebottom and her consort Mr Colin Sidebottom and other dignitaries, as well as around 150 guests at the opening of the scheme in Henry Square.
The scheme, which is being developed by Ask in partnership with Tameside MBC, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and national regeneration agency English Partnerships, has witnessed a great deal of activity in recent months, with the completion of the first phase and the multi-million pound public realm, including a stunning water feature and sculpture.
Sir Geoff was welcomed back to the town he was born in by Chief Executive of Ask Developments, Ken Knott, who also hails from Tameside. He received a guided tour of the £42m development, which includes the restoration of Hugh Mason House, on Henry Square, known to locals as Ashton Swimming Baths.
The first phase of the scheme is already home to Pennine Care NHS Trust Regional Headquarters, who have taken 26,000 sq ft within the 55,000 sq ft building - bringing together key functions such as human resources, finance, estates and risk management departments.
The building, which was designed by Aedas Architects was purchased by Prestigic Holdings last year for around £9.3m
Work will also be starting soon on the £11m 40,000 sq ft primary care centre for Tameside and Glossop PCT, which will provide a vast range of services including screening, diagnostics such as ECG and ultrasounds as well as district nursing and other services.
Earlier this month, plans were also submitted by developer Ask Life, the residential arm of Ask Developments, for 72 city-style apartments which will form an integral part of the new quarter. Plans for a further 150 apartments in a separate block will be submitted at a later date.
John Hughes, Development Director at Ask Developments said: “We were delighted that Sir Geoff returned to his home town and witnessed the enormous progress that has been made at St Petersfield.
“This is part of the continuing regeneration of Ashton town centre and Tameside, attracting new businesses to the area. St Petersfield has already proved to be a popular choice for occupiers selecting a town centre location ahead of out-of-town business parks and we are confident that it will be a catalyst for further investment.
Damien Bourke, Partnership and Policy Manager for Greater Manchester at the NWDA, said: “Once complete, the St Petersfield scheme will have the capacity to sustain almost 2,000 jobs and will have attracted private sector capital investment of over £42m. The plans in Ashton will provide a valuable area for the local community to enjoy, and significantly improve the area's appeal as a business investment location."
Paul Spooner, English Partnerships’ Regional Director said: “St Petersfield is a success story in the continuing regeneration of Ashton town centre and English Partnerships is delighted to be supporting this major investment.”