Put that light out: anger at new council office’s permanent illumination

Photo: Journeaux

No 1 Riverside - all lit up late on Christmas Eve!

Anger is mounting as lights at Rochdale’s new council offices remain on all night, every night, including over Christmas and New Year, despite the building being empty.

Rochdale Online revealed on Wednesday (9 January) the £50 million Number One Riverside building - which will also house a library and customer service centre - has a light-fitting in the lobby that the council paid a mind boggling £16,000 for.

Further grievances are being aired at the fact the lights are permanently switched on, day and night, even though the building, in Smith Street, is yet to be officially opened.

“Anyone who walks up Drake Street every night like I do, would also have noticed every light on in this empty building 24 hours a day for the last 6 months,” Rochdale Online member 'Easystart' commented.

“No wonder the council tax is going up they must have just got the electricity bill in.”

Lib Dem Group Leader, Councillor Andy Kelly, who sits on the cross-party town centre development group, said the question was raised at a recent meeting.

“We were informed it is part of the commissioning project and for testing,” he said.

“But my question is how long do you have to check it for?

“I’m surprised it’s taken it so long to prepare. They say it is for testing, but would someone really have been in there over Christmas?”

Rochdale Online did contact the Town Centre Co-ordinator and the Programme Manager but there was no one available to comment.