A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN project to refurbish buildings of historical significance in Tyldesley has been boosted by government funding.

Around £2.7m will help High Street Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) in Tyldesley town centre become a reality as part of a Heritage England scheme, as well as in Wigan town centre.

The Tyldesley HAZ includes plans to refurbish buildings such as Frank’s Café and the Grade II listed Top Chapel.

The library will be relocated to Tyldesley Town Hall whilst new uses for the old library building will be explored.

The Tyldesley project, driven by community group For Tyldesley and supported by the council, is the only bid of its kind in the North West to receive government funding.

Meanwhile, £2.5m of the funding will go into a project on King Street in Wigan town centre. Wigan Council is providing match funding which, along with private sector and other sources, will see investment of around £2.5m.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, heritage champion at the council, said: “We’re delighted that the funding has now been confirmed for these exciting proposals to make King Street the go-to place for cultural and leisure activities – and we’re equally thrilled for the Tyldesley bid.

“The launch of the Heritage Action Zones comes at a very opportune time for the council as we are preparing to launch our draft Historic Environment Strategy for public consultation at the end of month.

“The Historic Environment Strategy celebrates our fantastic heritage and sets a framework for the conservation and management of our historic environment together with businesses, residents and all in our community.

“Securing funding through HAZ helps make this vision a reality.”

Catherine Dewar, North West regional director for Historic England, added: “Our high streets bring people together. They are places to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of our local community. We are delighted to be working with Wigan Council and the For Tyldesley CIC to deliver these improvements."