Town Centre regeneration progress

Date published: 14/10/2006

The first consultation process regarding the regeneration of Rochdale Town Centre is now well advanced and the public response has been very encouraging. 
 
The main focus is currently on the eastern part of the Town Centre. This comprises the building of a new bus station on the Electric House site, and work is now being undertaken to demolish the existing building and to clear the site.  

The construction of the new bus station will commence mid 2008.

In the New Year, there will be a shortlist of potential developers with a preferred partner selected within the next 12 months.  

Council Leader Alan Taylor said: "A further more detailed phase of consultation will be undertaken once a shortlist of potential developers is in place."   
 
A Town Centre Improvement Group has been established to look at short, medium and longer term proposals and has secured funding for a number of environmental schemes. The detail has yet to be developed but is likely to be centred around Lower Yorkshire Street, The Butts, Drake Street and along the River Roch, near the new bus station.

The Council is also planning to replace the current leisure facilities at Entwistle Road on the edge of the Town Centre, and provide an improved standard of public leisure facilities - a new swimming pool, fitness centre, etc. 

Councillor Taylor commented: "The brief to potential developers will not be prescriptive, and private sector flair and innovation will be encouraged. Likewise, the public consultation provides the opportunity for people to let us know what they want, and could result in some interesting ideas."