Opportunity to view development plans for brownfield site near Rochdale railway station

Residents are to be given the chance to look at plans to transform a brownfield site in the centre of Rochdale that has been vacant for the past ten years.

The site, previously part of Central Retail Park between Oldham Road and Drake Street, is to be developed into a new community of rentable homes in a mixture of one to four-bedroom properties made up of 81 townhouses and 143 apartments.

Anyone can attend an event to see how the land near Rochdale railway station will be transformed and how it will serve as a catalyst for other developments.

The development is part of the council’s Rail Corridor Strategy that has identified mainly brownfield sites around the borough’s railways stations that can be used for new housing or employment space.

The new development is still to be named but there are proposals for what it could be called and residents will be able to choose a small number of options at an event showcasing the planned designs at Fireground, the fire service museum, from 10am to 4pm on Monday 11 July.

Councillor John Blundell, the council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a major step forward for Rochdale to be getting quality homes that will aspire to be net zero carbon, meeting the needs of the town to be provided with a mixture of living spaces. 

“This will bring many benefits in terms of health as we increase the opportunity to walk or cycle to work or to access public transport to commute, Manchester being just 15 minutes away by train for example.

“It will be an attractive place to live with areas of recreation in addition to the gardens homes will have.”

The almost six acres of brownfield land will be developed by Wilmott Dixon who are responsible for another development in the town, Upperbanks, and the new Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure complex. They will be creating sustainable buildings that will exceed current regulations. Residents will also benefit from lower energy bills.

The masterplan itself, which passed through consultation last year and was approved by the council’s cabinet committee in December 2021, will ensure a high-quality development is produced with landscaping and public spaces giving the opportunity for a biodiverse arena.

Anyone wishing to view the plans can do so at an open day at Fireground, the fire service museum in Maclure Road, from 10am to 4pm on Monday 11th July.

Plans are also available to view online via https://www.investinrochdale.co.uk/regeneration/projects/central-retail-park again from 11th July.