People to have their say on Town Centre plans

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 10/09/2007

The chance for Rochdale people to have their say on the redevelopment plans for Eastern area of Rochdale Town centre has arrived. The Council has produced a consultation draft Area Framework in the form of a glossy booklet to guide people through the plans and to let them have their say on the proposals. The period of public consultation on the plans will last until 10 October.

The opening page of the leaflet reads: "Whether you love shopping, enjoy eating out or want to see more leisure opportunities on your doorstep, there's never been a better time to have your say on the future of the town centre.

"Rochdale town centre is about to be transformed with millions of pounds of new investment.

"This is all happening in the Town Centre East area, between Yorkshire Street and the river. The existing bus station, multi storey car park and Municipal Offices are going to be replaced by new shops, cafes, leisure facilities, housing, a new bus station, new Council offices, a Metrolink terminus and lots more."

The leaflet has a freepost reply form attached so that people can offer their views on the Area Framework. Ultimately the Area Framework will guide developers and decide planning applications in the area.

Inside the leaflet are the details of the development, including the vision and objectives for the new town centre, the design principles, specific drawings of certain areas of the development such as Smith Street and Baillie Street and Yorkshire Street.

Further to the leaflet, there are other ways for people to have their say on the developments:

• Fill in an online response form: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/consultations.aspx
• Email: strategic.planning@rochdale.gov.uk
• Write to: Strategic Planning, Floor 2, Telegraph House, Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JH

If you want to know more about the Town Centre East developments there will be staffed exhibitions on:

• Friday 14 amp; Saturday 15 September - 11am-3pm - Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre
• Monday 24 September - 9am-4.30pm - Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

The exhibition will be permanently on show at the Wheatsheaf Library until 10 October, aside from when it is at one of the staffed exhibitions listed above, and at the Planning Reception at Telegraph House on Baillie Street.