No decision on river re-opening

The uncovering of the River Roch still not yet decided

The decision on whether or not to proceed with a scheme to uncover the River Roch in Rochdale town centre has still not been made. Rochdale Council Cabinet was due to meet last night (Monday 30 June) with the scheme on the agenda, however, the meeting was cancelled.

New council leader Richard Farnell is seeking clarification of the cost to local taxpayers. It is believed that along with the £2.5 millon of local taxpayers money the council will have to put in to finance the scheme, in addition to £1.2m the Council has bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund - the decision on lottery funding has been delayed whilst the council reviews the project - the ongoing cost will be in the region of £200,000 per year.

Councillor Farnell has said the project may have to be axed to help the council meet its £51m saving target by 2016.

It is understood that the site of the re-opening on The Butts is also being considered as the best location for Rochdale market.

The River Roch uncovered in the Town Centre in 1996 - Photo: © Margaret Curry

Re-opening the river, supporters believe, will make the town centre a more attractive environment that will attract shoppers and visitors from out of town and councillors have recently been subjected to a concerted email campaign by supporters urging them to go ahead with the project.

Critics say that the scheme is little more than three "inspection holes" in the ground, and the chosen design an "uninspiring mix of concrete and glass that will do nothing but attract litter".

Retailers are also seriously concerned about the impact of the inevitable disruption during construction if the project goes ahead. Having endured three years of Metrolink works and the current demolition of the Black Box and old bus station they fear trade will be badly affected again and more will go out of business as a result.

Underground - the River Roch in Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale Council Leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, said: “The council is still working on the report to review the ‘Revealing the River’ Project. We are having to review all major projects in light of the massive £51 million of government cuts Rochdale is facing.

“All new schemes will have to pass three tests:

1. Will it bring economic benefits to the borough. 
2. Does the scheme support the council’s main priorities of supporting priority services of education, caring services and front-line services. 
3. Is the scheme affordable and does it deliver value for money.

“A report will be submitted to a future meeting of the council’s cabinet and consultation with key stakeholders will be carried out.”