Milestone reached for the new Strand

Guests at the topping-out ceremony on The Strand

A milestone in the delivery of the new Strand in Kirkholt was marked with a 'topping-out' ceremony.

The redevelopment will provide a new parade of shops and a community hub with a range of facilities. Sixteen new apartments for affordable rent will also be provided as part of the scheme.

The project is progressing well and it is anticipated that the community space will be open by summer 2018. The phased approach to the regeneration of The Strand has ensured that local shops and community facilities, including the existing drop-in centre, have remained available throughout the construction period. 

To mark the 'topping out', a Rochdale Boroughwide Housing team were joined by guests including local community representatives, Roly Bardsley, chairman of Bardsley Construction, and Tony Lloyd MP.

Clare Tostevin, RBH director of communities, said: “We are really excited that the opening date for the new Strand is getting closer. The new community space together with high-quality new homes and shops will help to revitalise the heart of Kirkholt, and provide a fantastic new facility which will benefit local residents for decades to come.”

Councillor John Blundell, council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is great to see the transformation of The Strand progressing so well. These fantastic new facilities will make a real difference to the Kirkholt community and I am sure they will be very well used.”

The Strand redevelopment is part of a wider RBH regeneration programme for Kirkholt.