Phase two of town centre regeneration will focus on residential development

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Andy Burnham has pledged support for the next phase of Rochdale's town centre regeneration

Phase two of the town centre regeneration programme will focus primarily on residential development on smaller brownfield sites, many within Rochdale’s Heritage Action Zone, which takes in key gateway sites like Drake Street and its surrounding area.

The aim is to develop almost 2,000 homes as part of a new residential strategy, which is due to be launched in the summer.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is looking to bring forward new, high-quality housing forward at College Bank and Lower Falinge, while the council will be redeveloping Town Hall Square.

During a recent visit, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, praised Rochdale’s town centre regeneration and pledged to support the borough as residential accommodation is added to the project.

Mr Burnham was in the borough as part of his Town Centres Challenge strategy, which aims to support councils across the region as they regenerate their town centres.

Seven councils have already put forward town centres in their areas to be part of the challenge, with Rochdale being named as the latest town centre to take part.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The creation of thriving housing markets and new cultural offers are major themes of the Town Centres Challenge, so it’s great to hear that the mayor is looking to support us on this project.”

As part of the launch event, Mr Burnham met a number of key local stakeholders, including developers, property agents, councillors and business owners.

Speaking at Rochdale Town Hall, Mr Burnham said: “I have CPO powers, which I can use to support Rochdale, and Greater Manchester has just been given a £50m land investment to help bring sites forward for housing and make them viable.

“From what I can see, Rochdale has all the right ingredients.

"I love the idea of a new market, which the council is developing, it will bring bustle and life, and the Riverside development is really exciting.

"I want to help make Rochdale’s plans for stage two of its regeneration programme a reality.”