New park and ride facility on way for Smithy Bridge railway station

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The former railway sidings (marked in red) has been bought by the council

Land at Smithy Bridge railway station has been purchased by Rochdale Borough Council to create a new park and ride facility.

The new facility, on land which held former railway sidings, could create an additional 100 parking spaces for the station.

Earlier this year, Richard Greenwood, chairman of STORM (Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester rail line), said the land – previously used by low-speed track sections away from the main rail line – would be well-situated to provide a large car park for rail commuters and ease parking congestion on the roads.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129155/former-railway-sidings-perfect-for-car-park-says-rail-campaign-chairman

Rochdale Council has since confirmed it has purchased the land.

John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration, business, skills and employment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’ve acquired this key area with a view to creating a new park and ride facility which could create an additional 100 parking spaces. 

“We’re currently looking at funding options and look forward to bringing a timetable forward for this in the coming months. This is part of a much bigger plan to transform the area around every railway station in our borough. There’s huge potential for the development of brownfield land in these areas and this work will be a big focus for the council going forward.

“We’ve already announced major changes around Rochdale station, and I will look forward to announcing improvements for Castleton soon.”

Richard Greenwood added: “STORM is very pleased that the much-needed park and ride facility can now be provided.”