The Esplanade to close to traffic permanently from Monday 6 June

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Esplanade

A section of The Esplanade in front of Rochdale Town Hall is to be permanently closed to traffic from Monday (6 June).

The Esplanade will be closed to traffic from 6 June from Rochdale police station to Newgate and on street parking bays will be removed so that work can begin on creating the new community space.

The closure comes as work to create a new public space around the Grade I-listed town hall – a new Town Hall Square – takes a major step forward.

While the work to the square goes on, the town will be fully open, and businesses will operate as normal.

The existing taxi rank will be relocated between St Mary’s Gate/Manchester Road and Vicar’s Gate (police station) on The Esplanade at night with disabled parking there during the day.

The new square will include new lawns along with historic paving, planters and benches for residents and visitors to be able to relax and enjoy a high-quality open-air space all year round.

The work accompanies the town hall restoration project, which is funded by Rochdale Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, including £8.9 million from the Heritage Fund.

There is a range of other parking in the town. Council-run car parks are pay and display with the first three hours free, a full day being £5.

People wishing to drive into the town, who use The Esplanade to park will be able to use the alternatives of Rochdale Riverside (off New Baillie Street) which costs £2 for up to three hours, or Rochdale Exchange (off Hunter's Lane) which is £1.20 for up to four hours.

You can find full details on parking in Rochdale town centre here: http://rochdale.gov.uk/carparks.