Work to begin on site for 240 new homes in Rochdale town centre

Plans to build over 240 new homes on a derelict brownfield site in central Rochdale have taken a major step forward, with enabling works set to start imminently.

This second phase of the Rochdale Riverside development, part of the £400m regeneration of Rochdale town centre, will be one and two-bedroom apartments for rent and will also include a hotel.

The development is adjacent to the Rochdale Riverside complex and includes the site where Baillie Street health centre stood and the former site of the Pentagon Vauxhall dealership alongside John Street.

The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, in partnership with Genr8 Developments and Kajima.

Contractors Wilmott Dixon have been awarded the £2.7m enabling works contract to ready the site ahead of the start of main construction work next spring.

The start of work on site follows hot on the heels of the announcement by Manchester-based developers, Capital and Centric, that they’re working with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency to deliver over 200 new homes at the former Central Retail Park, another derelict brownfield plot, less than a mile from the Rochdale Riverside site. The Capital and Centric scheme will deliver a mix of high and low-rise homes, alongside apartments.
 

Read more: Capital & Centric to deliver new 'neighbourhood' housing development in RochdalePublished: 14 September 2020

Council leader, Allen Brett, said: “The delivery of high quality new homes to serve our growing population and attract new residents is a vital part of our strategy to transform the borough, which has already seen the successful opening of a new shopping and leisure complex, the delivery of world class heritage projects like the reopening of the River Roch and much more.

“This new development will attract people who want to live in a thriving town centre with excellent shops, leisure facilities and transport links right on their doorstep. It will also bring an important brownfield site back into use and transform this key part of the town centre.

“Our growth strategy is well on track; despite the challenging times we find ourselves in. Continuing this work to grow our economy is more important than ever and we’re unapologetic about the level of ambition we have for our borough and its continued growth.”

Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Developments said: “Phase 1 of Rochdale Riverside opened earlier this year and has brought high-class retail and leisure amenity to the town with more to come.

“We are pleased to be supporting the council’s housing drive with Phase 2, continuing the development of this regeneration project and fulfilling the ambition of the scheme and the town.”

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are proud to be appointed to start Rochdale Riverside phase 2, which will play an important role in further regenerating Rochdale, following the success of phase 1. This development will be another blueprint for vital town centre regeneration across the UK; attracting further inward investment into this community.

“Developments like Rochdale Riverside have already put the town on the map as a great place to live and work. Phase 2 will continue to blaze that trail for developments which leave a lasting positive legacy and stimulate the local economy.”