The Esplanade will close to traffic next month as work begins on a new pedestrianised space in front of Rochdale Town Hall

A section of The Esplanade in front of Rochdale Town Hall is to be permanently closed to traffic as work to create a new public space around the town hall takes a major step forward.

The creation of a new Town Hall Square around the Grade I-listed building is a key part of the transformation of the town hall and work to connect the cenotaph and memorial gardens with the town hall entrance with a pedestrianised area will begin next month.

The new square will include new lawns along with historic paving, planters and benches for residents and visitors to be able to relax and enjoy a high-quality open-air space all year round.

The Esplanade will be closed to traffic from 6 June from Rochdale police station to Newgate and on street parking bays will be removed so that work can begin on creating the new community space.

The work accompanies the town hall restoration project, which is funded by Rochdale Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, including £8.9 million from the Heritage Fund.

 

 

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform, said: “This latest stage in the regeneration of Rochdale will see a beautiful open space for everyone being created. Friends and families will be able to visit and relax as the area is brought to life.

“It will go from being dominated by parked cars to one which will be loved and appreciated, as it is transformed with greenery and seating which will allow everyone to idle away the hours, in what will be a striking urban environment.

“The beauty of the project is how it will link the whole of the town together. The paving will run through the centre of the square, connecting the cenotaph and memorial gardens with the town hall entrance. It will really be a place that is loved.”

While the work to the square goes on, the town will be fully open and businesses will operate as normal ready to welcome customers to the many shops, bars, and restaurants the town has to offer.

The existing taxi rank will be relocated between St Mary’s Gate/Manchester Road and Vicar’s Gate (police station) on The Esplanade at night with disabled parking there during the day.

 

 

There is a range of other parking in the town. Council run car parks are pay and display with the first three hours free. A full day being £5.

People wishing to drive into the town, who use The Esplanade to park will be able to use the alternatives of Rochdale Riverside (off New Baillie Street) which costs £2 for up to three hours, or Rochdale Exchange (off Hunter's Lane) which is £1.20 for up to four hours.

You can find full details on parking in Rochdale town centre here: http://rochdale.gov.uk/carparks.