Developers reveal their vision for Rochdale town centre

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Three major developers today revealed designs to transform Rochdale town centre with a new retail heart and a vibrant river-side district.

Ask Property Developments with Sultan Properties, Valad Property Group and Wilson Bowden Developments unveiled their multi-million pound proposals.

Rochdale residents are being urged to take time out of festive shopping to drop into a unit on 30 Yorkshire Street and give their views on the designs for the transformation of the town centre.

Rochdale Development Agency’s consultation will run for a week from 10am – 3pm until Thursday 20 December. The three displays show proposals for the redevelopment of the east of the town centre with new retailers, restaurants, cafes, bars apartments, leisure facilities and offices.

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency said: “We have a fantastic opportunity to attract significant private sector investment to completely change the way our town centre functions. It is an exciting time for Rochdale and we’re hoping local people will take time out to drop in and share their views.  None of the proposals are set in stone which is why it’s important for people to tell us the elements they most like.”

Residents' views will be considered along with cost and feasibility when a developer is selected in spring next year. The multi-million pound proposals are part of a wider masterplan for the area that will involve the completion of a new transport interchange by 2010 and the creation of new state-of-the-art civic offices and public facilities.

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director of Rochdale Council said: “This regeneration along with other positive developments including the Metrolink extension, Kingsway Business Park, Middleton Arena and redevelopment of Heywood town centre is setting out a great future for Rochdale with increased job opportunities for local people.”

Ask Property Developments with Sultan Properties: The proposals show 275,000 sq ft of new shops for fashion retailers such as Next and Topshop, 53,000 sq ft of new restaurants and café/bars, 110,000 sq ft Debenhams store, 80,000 sq ft of new supermarket, 250,000 sq ft of new office space, 150 bedroom hotel and brasserie, 250 one and two bedroom apartments and 70 residential units.

Valad Property Group: The proposals show new shops including a department store, new flats , offices, leisure opportunities such as a cinema and a gym, new town squares that could be used for open air theatre and local markets, new community spaces and improved underground parking facilities.

Wilson Bowden Developments: The proposals show new retailers including a Debenhams Department store, a large Marks amp; Spencer and a major food store, 1,200 new car parking spaces in a safe, and secure multi-storey car park monitored by CCTV, a new central area with an iconic sculpture to become the symbol of Rochdale, cafes, bars, restaurants and 282 new apartments. The proposals aim to create seamless links with the existing retailers and the refurbishment of the Wheatsheaf Centre with new malls and shops.

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