Car park plans for former Salvation Army hostel

A former refuge for homeless men in Rochdale is to be knocked down to make room for a car park.  The council has refused an FOI request of the cost but we understand it to be £300,000.

Providence House, located in High Street, was managed by the Salvation Army until March 2012 when their contract expired.

Rochdale Online has learnt the site, which we understand had a purchase price of £100,000, is to be knocked down by the council to build a car park - with the demolition costing a further £200,000.

Doubts were raised over the future of the building in late 2011 when it was revealed the council’s homeless services provision was to be put out to tender.

The male-only hostel - which overlooks the ring road - provided 68 beds and 24-hour support staff.

Significant regeneration was needed to safeguard the future of Providence House, but the Salvation Army was unwilling to commit to the expensive work due to the council only offering renewable 12-month contracts on the site.

Rochdale Council chose, however, to commission smaller premises across the borough instead, and Providence House closed its doors on 31 March.

A council spokesperson confirmed the building has been purchased by the council and is to be demolished but would not confirm the cost or purpose of the move.