Rochdale students to reveal hopes for homes and jobs

Date article online: 17/01/2007

University students from Rochdale are being asked their views on their home town and the kind of place they want to live when they graduate and find a job.

The aim of the research, being carried out by the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, is to find out how graduates can be retained and attracted to Housing Market Renewal neighbourhoods such as Wardleworth and Kirkholt.

Earlier research has identified a risk of younger, educated people leaving the borough in search of better housing and opportunities.  This can have a negative effect on communities and the local economy and can contribute to a downward spiral in housing markets. 

Around 2,500 students either living in Rochdale or Oldham or from the boroughs but attending universities elsewhere have been sent the questionnaire asking about aspirations for homes, jobs and communities.

Alastair Graham, Director for the HMR Pathfinder, said: "We have already had more than 300 forms returned and we would urge other students to please take five minutes to fill in the questionnaire and return it by 16 February.  It will help us as we progress plans to transform areas with a better choice of modern housing."

The Pathfinder has invested more than £70 million in areas of both boroughs with more than 2,000 homes in the pipeline this year.  Construction work will start this spring on new eco-homes at the former Dale and Arkwright mill sites and planning permission has recently been granted for a new development at Trafalgar Street in Wardleworth.  The Pathfinder wants to ensure that the new housing being built is attractive to all age groups.

A series of focus groups for students will be held in April with a small fee offered for participation.  Any interested students can contact Jo Vidakovic on 0161 770 8327 to find out more.