The Goodsyard

The Goodsyard is Marsden's largest development opportunity and currently serves as parking for the Standedge Visitor Centre, the railway station, and the National Trust.

With station upgrades and growing visitor numbers, public parking will remain essential. Plans include clustering spaces near the new station entrance and exploring options for a consolidated car park, ensuring convenience while freeing up space for other uses.

Young people helped shape the existing play facilities, and the aim will be to incorporate these within a new landscape design that promotes biodiversity and creates a welcoming environment for families.

The large, well-connected site also offers an opportunity for new housing, including affordable homes. Designs should be contemporary yet sympathetic to Marsden's character, using materials that reflect the village's heritage.

Any redevelopment plans should aim to improve access to the towpath and create new pedestrian links to the village and the proposed bridge at New Mills, making the canal a central part of Marsden life.