Marple Station Footbridge

April saw the start of work to replace Marple Station Footbridge with a new bridge to provide disabled persons access to both platforms.

At the planning stage of the project it became clear that the old station foobridge would have to be removed due to lack of space. The old bridge is the last link with the orinal Victorian station and many felt it would be a sad loss. Initial talks with Cllr Craig Wright in 2011 looked at alternative sites for the bridge around Marple. In the event no suitable site could be identified locally. However, Peak Rail at Rowsley in Derbyshire have agreed to take the bridge for their preserved railway. A suitable plaque will be attached giving details of the bridge and where it came from.

Thanks to Cllr Craig Wright for facilitating the finding of a new home for the bridge at Rowsley.

We are grateful to member Arthur Proctor for taking shots of the old and new bridge during installation.

The old bridge before removal from Marple station and the new bridge during installation

   More photos here

Planning Application DC049368 - 3 Canal Street

The society's Honorary Architect has examined the application and responded on behalf of the society.  In principle the society has no objection to the use of this site for housing.  However, we feel that there are aspects of the design that are not appropriate to the adjacent terrace.

The size and scale of the building is out of character with the rest of the street, the building having a somewhat squat, horizontal appearance.  Arched windows and garage door would help, as would a steeper roof line.  A street scene drawing would be useful to illustrate these points. 

The balcony to the rear of the property presents a further problem in that it overlooks houses on Stockport Road.
Full details of the application can be found through the SMBC search page here

Toll House in 'Buildings at Risk' Register - Save Britain's Heritage

The Toll House and adjoining cottage at Marple Wharf will feature as an entry in the forthcoming Save Britains Heritage 'Building at Risk' register. SAVE is an influential group which campaigns effectively for endangered historic buildings.
                          (see: http://www.savebritainsheritage.org/information/)   

 Marple Civic Society presented a Business Plan to British Waterways (BW) two years ago to turn the grade ll listed buildings into a visitors centre but to date we have not received any comment or even acknowledgment. The buildings remain empty and boarded up and although they are generally in good condition they are subject to vandalism and risk of damage as has happened recently.

In June this year, when the buildings feature in the 'Buildings at Risk' register, BW will become the Canal and River Trust (CRT) a charity being set up to look after the canals and their heritage and to encourage local people to get involved as volunteers.

Lets hope that the coinciding events in June kick start BW (CRT) into action to think again about the listed buildings and the Marple Wharf Heritage site. 

 

The delightful grade ll listed Toll House and adjacent cottage at Marple Wharf.

Boarded up and prey to vandalism.

Our heritage deserves better.

Mary Portas Pilot Scheme - Bid to Regenerate Marple Town Centre

As part of the Marple Vision Partnership, the Business Forum, supported by Marple Civic Society has made a joint bid for up to £100,000 for Marple from the governments Portas Pilot Scheme.
A key criteria is having a vision for the town.This was presented by the Marple Vision Partnership to the Business Forum at the March meeting, who gave a mandate to proceed with developing a plan to enhance Marple Town Centre. The vision states that we want a town that:

• clebrates its heritage
• functions as a 21st century service centre for local shoppers and visitors
• caters for community, civic, tourist, and leisure users' needs
• works with the wider  Vision for Marple

The plan and bid proposal focus on ways to develop, brand and promote Marple Town Centre as a great place for a day out, to encourage more visitors to come and experience Marple.

More information: The Portas Review on the future of high streets

                                                        Love Marple...........

A successful bid and a little initiative could help turn Marple into a shopping haven, a vibrant and lively town where residents want to shop and visitors return time and time again.

Marple Area Committee Reports March and April 2012

There is nothing to report from the Marple Area Committee Meeting this month due to the approaching local elections. During this period, elected representatives are not allowed to discuss local issues including planning applications.

                         We will be back to normal after the May elections.

HLF Bids by British Waterways and Mellor Archaeological Trust

We recently learned that the HLF bid applications by British Waterways and Mellor Archaeological Trust were both unsuccessful. Of course, this was a disappointment after so much work had gone into preparing the bids.

       

        However, all is back on track following the HLF feedback meeting today. After discussing both bids and their strengths and weaknesses it was decided that the best way forward is to join forces and submit a joint bid. Both projects are closely linked historically and geographically and will therefore work well as one bid submission.

Representatives from Stockport MBC, Mellor Archaeological Trust, British Waterways, Marple Civic Society and Marple Vision Partnership will meet on 24th April to discuss the best way forward.