A council has officially approved an “ambitious” vision to revitalise a town and make it a “place for adventure.”

Backed by £300,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Rossendale Borough Council says it wants to make Waterfoot “a place to relax and unwind” and “a place for arts and culture to thrive.”

The plan outlines an exciting future for the town and community with opportunities to enhance its historic character, support local arts, and create vibrant public spaces.

The masterplan, also boosted by potential opportunities from the £20m Long Term Plan for Towns Funding, outlines three key projects that will drive the transformation of the town.

* Acquisition and fit-out of a shop in Trickett’s Arcade – This space will serve as a community hub, with plans for a café and a versatile area for local artists to host workshops, exhibitions, and events.

* Creation of a temporary public realm area – Designed as a flexible outdoor venue, this area will be a focal point for community events, performances, and cultural activities, further enhancing Waterfoot’s appeal as a gathering place.

* Micro-grant scheme for artists – This initiative will provide small grants to local artists, allowing them to create and share their work nurturing Waterfoot’s rich artistic legacy 

The plans, developed by Rawtenstall-based landscape architects Square Yard, has been shaped by community input, with more than 550 local residents participating in the consultation process.

The objectives of the plan include increasing footfall in the town centre, improving pedestrian connections, and celebrating the town’s rich arts and cultural history.

The revitalisation efforts will also feature a public consultation on a conservation area appraisal in the coming months.

Cllr Nick Harris, a strong supporter of the project, said: “This masterplan is a huge step forward for Waterfoot. It celebrates the town’s unique character, its strong sense of community, and its artistic legacy. We have an incredible opportunity to make Waterfoot a hub for creativity, culture, and business. This first step will allow us to create spaces where people can gather, collaborate, and experience the best of what our town has to offer.”  

The council has also established an Arts Working Group, linked to the Rawtenstall Town Board, and made up of representatives from local arts organisations to ensure continued support for artistic initiatives in the community.