Simon Danczuk backs Robin Parker in bid to give College Bank flats listed status

College Bank Flats

Former Mayor of Rochdale Robin Parker recently submitted a letter to Historic England requesting that they recommend the College Bank flats be given listed status.

Mr Parker’s letter said: “More than 40 years after receiving their first tenants, the estate, known locally as The Seven Sisters, is still a big part of Rochdale's housing programme. Without doubt they represent one of the biggest and most ambitious housing projects in the town's history.

"It has, however, been poorly managed in recent years with shoddy environmental maintenance and the reduction of the concierges to just one block”.

In support, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk also submitted a letter to Historic England detailing why the Seven Sisters buildings should be listed.

In the letter, Mr Danczuk raises the importance of Rochdale Council’s local plan to the future of College Bank flats: “[The local plan] has set a target of providing 460 additional homes per year in order to meet demand and help regenerate the borough. College Bank Flats provides 761 homes which, if demolished, would set back the Council’s housing strategy by several years.

“Significantly, the demolition of College Bank Flats would yield very little land for development, meaning that unless further high-rises were built, the number of homes would be less than the number which already exist.”

Commenting on their cultural value, Mr Danczuk said: “College Bank flats are an iconic part of Rochdale’s landscape and contribute to the town’s identity. They are one of the North West’s best architectural examples of post-war mass housing, similar to London’s Barbican estate in scale and importance.

“They also contain a number of original post-war murals which on their own are worth protecting.

“Of primary importance is the need to ensure an adequate supply of housing for Rochdale’s constituents. Social housing is particularly important for many of my constituents, and demolishing College Bank Flats would do nothing either for them or the wider housing crisis.

“On these merits, I believe that College Bank Flats are worth protecting.”

Mr Parker's application, along with Mr Danczuk’s letter of support, will be considered by Historic England’s Designation Listing North Team.

Mr Danczuk added: “There is plenty of appetite in the local area to keep the Seven Sisters standing.

“Giving the buildings planning protection would be a welcome barrier to any plans for demolition, and would give peace of mind to many College Bank residents concerned about the future of their homes.

“Moreover, granting the Seven Sisters listed status is also an excellent opportunity to celebrate the history, architecture and people of College Bank flats.

“The Seven Sisters are still standing and, bar the need for better management, are in good condition. This is a testament to the decision to build them half a century ago.”

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