A PROPOSAL to safeguard the future of the much-loved Union Street building in Hyde has been approved.
Tameside Council's cabinet has agreed to market the property for the benefit of the community and local economy.
The Council will consider all proposals and explore the uses that could be provided on site, including for continued community use, business, education, mixed use, religious purposes and residential development including potential repurposing of the property into an Extra Care apartment complex with associated facilities including a café, day care and community provision.
The building's former library function was transferred into a refurbished space in Hyde Town Hall in 2015 to reduce costs and protect the library service. While the building is not listed it is considered to have heritage interest.
Councillor Oliver Ryan, Executive Member for Finance and Economic Growth, said: "The Union Street building remains an important structure that, along with residents, the Council is keen to protect.
"We wish to see a sustainable use bring the property back to life while safeguarding the building for future generations.
"This is one part of our ambitious, wider plans for Hyde and Hyde Town Centre that will drive economic growth and invest in communities and their connectivity."
Work is progressing to transform Hyde, with a town centre masterplan being created to meet the needs of the local population and give people more reasons to visit.
The Hyde Triangle of Hyde Town Centre, Godley Green and Hattersley has been identified as an area for growth in the Tameside Inclusive Growth Strategy and is one of the Greater Manchester Growth Locations. This will see more demand for retail, leisure and services which support the regeneration of Hyde Town Centre.
A Hyde Town Centre taskforce, featuring Tameside Council, local businesses and organisations as well as other stakeholders, will oversee the regeneration and focus on the needs of the town.
A public consultation is due to be held on a Tameside Town Centre Framework for each town centre's development and regeneration activity.