Rochdale Council - Mixed-Use Development - Rochdale, Ambitious Plans for Rochdale Town Centre
Date: 11 Oct 2006
Ambitious £100 million plans to transform Rochdale town centre into a modern core with new shops, offices, public spaces and transport links were unveiled yesterday at Rochdale Development Agency's annual conference.
The proposals jointly developed by the RDA and Rochdale Council include:
- A major extension of the existing retail centre creating improved pedestrian links across the town centre.
- Building a brand new bus station which will link with the planned terminus of the Metrolink to create a public transport interchange.
- New state-of-the-art office developments and new civic facilities.
- Transforming the River Roch frontage into a fashionable district with cafes, restaurants, apartments and offices overlooking the river.
- New leisure and health facilities.
The Rochdale Development Agency, (RDA) an independent not-for-profit organisation that leads on economic and physical regeneration in the borough is bringing the plans to life. Consultation with the local community began this week on the principles that will shape private sector proposals.
A formal invitation to developers is expected to be issued in November, but the annual conference provided an opportunity to introduce the project to the property market, alongside other exciting investments in the borough.
Phil Ewbank, Chairman of the RDA, says the proposals are a golden opportunity to use significant public and private investment to revitalise the town centre and transform the way the current retail core looks and performs.
"Rochdale is a town with massive potential. Not only do we have Metrolink coming in a few years, but construction is now well underway on the £350 million Kingsway Business Park which is going to provide over 7,000 new jobs. The Housing Market Renewal programme is also transforming some of the neighbourhoods adjoining the town centre.
"We need to ensure that our town centre can offer better choices and opportunities to local people and prospective residents. We are confident that our proposals will deliver a vibrant hub that offers great shops, housing, office and leisure facilities."
Dozens of stakeholders, including prospective investors and developers attended the RDA's annual conference to hear about a number of projects that will command significant investment in the borough in the next few years.
Paul Spooner, Regional Director of national regeneration agency English Partnerships said: "The plans provide an opportunity to transform Rochdale into a busy retail centre whilst also attracting people back to live in the heart of the town. They will bring about significant change for people living and working in the borough."
Plans are progressing well for the development of a new transport interchange, promoted by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).
Work will start this month on a £2 million contract to prepare the new site next to the river.
GMPTE's Interim Projects Director, Paul Griffiths, said: "The plans to regenerate the town centre have given us an exciting opportunity to significantly improve the quality of public transport facilities we provide for the town's passengers.
"We plan to relocate the current bus station to a new high quality transport interchange that will, in time, incorporate the Metrolink terminus. Our proposals have been prioritised favourably by the both North West Regional Transport Assembly and the Department for Transport.
"Advanced demolition works have already started on site and if all goes according to plan, we would hope to have the interchange completed by late 2009, early 2010."
The RDA's annual conference provides a platform for leading regeneration specialists, developers, investors and government agencies to discuss new opportunities within Rochdale borough.
Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency John Hudson added: "The town centre scheme is already attracting significant interest from private developers".
The first stage of the town centre public consultation will run until 27th October. Further consultation will take place in Summer 2007 once the key principles have been developed into more detailed schemes.
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