Kingsway developers optimistic despite economic decline

Artists impression of one of the Kingsway plots.

Supporters of the Kingsway Business Park are backing the project to thrive in the face of adversity as the economic recession kicks in over the next couple of years.

Speakers at the Rochdale Devlopment Agency's annual conference today (Thursday 16 October) believed that while it may be a difficult time at the moment, Kingsway can emerge as one of the strongest developments in the North West when the economy picks up again.

One of those speakers was Liam Ferguson, Chairman of Vindon Scientific, one of the first businesses to re-locate to Kingsway. He said: "It is going to be tough for the next couple of years and a real challenge but the Rochdale Development Agency has never been more important than it will be during these difficult times.

"Finding jobs for our school children is going to be a lot more difficult but if Kingsway and the RDA can keep going they will emerge much stronger when this economic cycle comes to an end."

Those sentiments were echoed by Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of MIDAS, Manchester's Investment and Development Agency, who chaired the conference.

He said: "In three years time I think we will look back on this week as the worst it has been for the economy in recent times.

"But if we get it right now we will be in the best position in the UK when the economy turns."

John Hudson, Chief Executive of RDA, said: "I believe we can thrive in the current economic environment.

"1993 saw the last downturn in property development and in Rochdale that proved to be a good time to start new builds - that was when Kingsway really was just a muddy field.

"Last year was the busiest and most productive we have seen and there is no reason why that can not continue.

"We have to ride the slumps, stay true to our goals and adjust our tactics in the short term but I have full confidence in this project."

Speaking exclusively to Rochdale Online after the conference, Rochdale's MP Paul Rowen and Deputy Council Leader Councillor Irene Davidson maintained their faith in the Kingsway development.

Councillor Davidson said: "You just have to drive through it to see that it is going from strength to strength almost every day. Things are still happening and I still believe this is going to be a good thing for the Borough of Rochdale.

"There will be some problems and at the present time we are going to struggle like everyone else but Kingsway will emerge as somewhere that is nice to work, rest and play for the people of Rochdale and that will bring even more investment."

Paul Rowen said: "Kingsway has been 30 years in the making. There have been three recessions in that time but an awful lot of inward investment aswell.

"We have been able to commit to the new transport terminus in the town centre, the new council buildings and the new college and that investment will continue and Kingsway will be at the heart of that investment."

RDA say that a number of other investment projects will start to bare fruit in the next few years, including new restaurants and bars on the river front in the town centre, due to be completed by 2011, the Metrolink coming to Rochdale train station, a new shopping district at the site of the current bus station and 'black box', five new Primary Care Trust health centres and £13million investment in improving housing choices across the town.