Demolition of Lower Falinge well underway

Date published: 10 November 2019

Demolition of the flats at Lower Falinge in Rochdale is well underway, as these photographs by local photographer Reece Horton show.

Currently two of the blocks have been completely demolished alongside the link bridges, with the next stage of development due to begin in early 2020.

Five of the 1960’s blocks in Lower Falinge are being demolished to make way for 55 new family homes, comprising 33 one and two-bedroom flats and 22 two and three-bedroom houses, together with a new park and play space to provide a new “green heart” at the centre of Lower Falinge. 

This new green area will provide improved public open space for both new and existing residents, and better connections and routes through the neighbourhood.

All residents included in the latest phase of redevelopment in Lower Falinge successfully moved to new homes in the summer, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) confirmed.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/128422/lower-falinge-residents-supported-into-new-homes

Part of Lower Falinge was named the most deprived place in Greater Manchester this year, alongside the town centre and part of neighbouring estate College Bank.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/130484/area-of-central-rochdale-named-most-deprived-in-greater-manchester

In 2013 Lower Falinge was named the most deprived area in England for the fifth successive year, prompting a number of scathing articles in the national press.

It is hoped the regeneration will transform the area and its reputation.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Andy Littlewood, who has lived on Lower Falinge for 11 years, says the work has given the estate a new-found optimism.

He said: “This really is a nice place to live: we’ve got our issues but those issues are hopefully going to be sorted with the regeneration. People are optimistic now. They can now see the work happening.

“They now believe change is happening.”

Also speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Gareth Swarbrick, RBH chief executive, said: “We are committed to playing our part alongside the council to transform the prospects of central Rochdale and the people who call the town centre home.

“Over half of those who moved from the blocks demolished in Lower Falinge chose to stay in the town centre – and were supported to do so by the RBH team. Several families moved into the new homes RBH completed at Toad Lane.

“RBH’s investment in Rochdale town centre is about improving both the quality of homes and the quality of life for people living here now and in the future.”

Additional reporting: Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter; Damon Wilkinson, Local Democracy Reporter