Former Mayor Robin Parker and MP Simon Danczuk oppose demolition of ‘iconic Seven Sisters'

College Bank Way

Former Mayor Robin Parker and Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s MP, have voiced their opposition to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s proposal that improving College Bank ‘may involve some level of demolition’.

Mr Parker says the Seven Sisters flats at College Bank should be considered a ‘heritage asset’ and ‘listed accordingly’.

He added “RBH are saying that they will listen to residents’ views, but I believe there is a hidden agenda of demolition, exemplified by Gareth Swarbrick and Clare Tosteven attempting to persuade Simon Danczuk to come around to their way of thinking. Fortunately for us, he wouldn’t have any of it.”

MP Simon Danczuk has previously criticised RBH for their ‘poor management’ of the flats.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/108103/rbh-criticised-for-%E2%80%98poor-management%E2%80%99-of-college-bank-flats-by-mp-simon-danczuk

Mr Danczuk said: “RBH are refusing to accept their own fault in all this. Not once have they offered to improve their own performance in managing the flats. Demolition of hundreds of homes is an extreme measure that I will not support.

“There is a complete lack of representation of tenants on RBH’s board, who seem happier to spend money on consultants than on managing their buildings. This unacceptable situation has led to a huge disconnect between the housing association and its residents. Unfortunately, it is the latter that pays the price of poor management.”

In November 2016, RBH confirmed future plans for College Bank flats and Lower Falinge ‘could result in some level of demolition’.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106272/options-for-college-bank-and-lower-falinge-could-result-in-some-level-of-demolition-confirms-rbh

Mr Parker, who was Rochdale’s Mayor between 2008 and 2009, has lived in three of the flats, Underwood, Holland Rise and Dunkirk Rise, since moving to Rochdale in 1974.

He explained: “When the College Bank flats were built, it was to an exceptionally high standard for the 60s, with a view to attracting people from outside the borough. I came up in 1974, attracted by a job which offered available accommodation for successful applicants.

“Most members of the public, both within the borough and elsewhere, consider The Seven Sisters to be the most recognisable feature of Rochdale, on a par with the Grade One Listed Town Hall. ‘Iconic’ is a word frequently used. Great improvements have been made to the economical night storage heaters, UPVC windows and kitchen refurbishment.”

He continued: “With a different management vision, the properties would be made attractive to over 50s wishing to downsize after children have left home, due to the spacious nature of the rooms. They are also completely accessible. Residents have also suggested that such properties, when vacant, could be advertised for leasehold sale. I am a leaseholder myself.

“Residents value the flats as convenient and offering walking distance access to shopping in the Town Centre and also to three supermarkets, Lidl, Aldi and Asda. There are currently 761 properties. If only one block were demolished, it is unfeasible that an equivalent number of properties could be constructed differently on the same site and so residents would need to move out of the area, affecting the Town Centre’s accessibility and economy accordingly.”

He added: “RBH argue that they have problems filling them because of changes to benefits, but at the consultation, Clare Tosteven, Director of Communities, stated there are currently only 3% voids. We would argue that, with improved management, the properties could also be made attractive to people who are not on benefits.”

Mr Danczuk suggested that RBH seek an alternative solution to demolition, he said: “College Bank flats would benefit hugely from a number of alternatives, one example being investment in a proper concierge service that would dramatically improve the flats for a sum that would be dwarfed by any cost for demolition. If demolition is indeed a cost-cutting exercise, RBH would do worse than reserve one block for pensioners, who are not liable for the bedroom tax.”

He added: “I will not allow RBH to pass on the blame for their own incompetence. I will be consulting residents on their own thoughts and it is my duty as Rochdale’s MP to raise this in Parliament at the earliest opportunity”.

A spokesperson for RBH said: “RBH has started a conversation with people in College Bank and Lower Falinge about how best to invest in the area and what changes might be needed. We know uncertainty can cause concern but it is only right that local residents shape proposals from the outset. This means we are talking to the community before there are any clear options, seeking views on how best to invest to provide not only better quality homes but also better opportunities for residents.

“As part of this process, we need to look at how demand for our homes may be impacted by future benefit changes. We saw much reduced demand for larger flats and increased numbers of empty large flats in some neighbourhoods following the introduction of the ‘bedroom tax’.

“We need to be planning now for how to deal with the impact of new welfare changes affecting those under 35, which are likely to result in lower demand for studio and one bedroom flats, including those at College Bank. We want to attract new households and provide high-quality homes for existing residents with rents and service charges they can afford.

“We're keen to hear all views from local residents: we're still accepting comments via our online consultation site."

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