Thousands give views on town centre redevelopment

Date published: 20 December 2007

More than 1,000 people flocked to a shop in Rochdale town centre and thousands more have visted the Regeneration section of the Rochdale Online web site to find out about exciting proposals to transform the core with a new retail heart and river-side district.

The week long exhibition, organised by Rochdale Development Agency, at a shop unit in the town’s Yorkshire Street, ended on Thursday 20 December.

There is still time for residents to give their views however as questionnaires are available on the Rochdale Online web site:

• /RochdaleRegeneration/default.asp

And also at the Wheatsheaf Library until 4 January.

Ask Property Developments with Sultan Properties, Valad Property Group and Wilson Bowden Developments unveiled their multi-million pound proposals which include attracting big name retailers, introducing better public spaces, building new homes, leisure facilities, car parking and restaurants.

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency said: "There has been a terrific response and people of all ages have been embracing the proposals and telling us what they want to see. We have a golden opportunity to make our town centre a first class shopping destination. In 2008 we will secure the developer partner who will work with us over the coming years to deliver the more modern, vibrant town centre people have saying they want to see."

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council Alan Taylor added: "Everyone has now had their chance to see the three proposals and comment on them. I'm glad that each of the developers has listened to what we've asked for from their plans.  It was good to read the public's comments in the media and hear at the exhibition such a positive response from Rochdale people. In a few years time, those people will be able to see the finished product and be proud that that they had their say on the future of their town."

Residents' views will be considered along with cost and feasibility when a developer is selected in spring next year. The multi-million pound proposals are part of a wider masterplan for the area that will involve the completion of a new transport interchange by 2010 and the creation of new state-of-the-art civic offices and public facilities.

Ask Property Developments with Sultan Properties:
The proposals show 275,000 sq ft of new shops for fashion retailers such as Next and Topshop, 53,000 sq ft of new restaurants and café/bars, 110,000 sq ft Debenhams store, 80,000 sq ft of new supermarket, 250,000 sq ft of new office space, 150 bedroom hotel and brasserie, 250 one and two bedroom apartments and 70 residential units.

Valad Property Group:
The proposals show new shops including a department store, new flats , offices, leisure opportunities such as a cinema and a gym, new town squares that could be used for open air theatre and local markets, new community spaces and improved underground parking facilities.

Wilson Bowden Developments:
The proposals show new retailers including a Debenhams Department store, a large Marks amp; Spencer and a major food store, 1,200 new car parking spaces in a safe, and secure multi-storey car park monitored by CCTV, a new central area with an iconic sculpture to become the symbol of Rochdale, cafes, bars, restaurants and 282 new apartments. The proposals aim to create seamless links with the existing retailers and the refurbishment of the Wheatsheaf Centre with new malls and shops.

Further details and a video on each development proposal is available at:

• /RochdaleRegeneration/default.asp