Castleton station ‘to become epicentre of huge change and growth’

The area around Castleton station is set for major improvements as part of the strategy - via Rochdale council

The area around Castleton Station is set to be one of many ‘growth locations’ across Greater Manchester.

The government is working with Greater Manchester leaders to release land around transport hubs, such as the train station in Castleton, to kickstart development. It is hoped the idea would see building projects on free land around commuter hotspots given a boost – creating more homes and jobs in connected locations.

Essentially, these new powers would mean the default answer to development around commuter transport hubs is ‘yes’. It forms part of the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over five years.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, addressed the House of Commons on Wednesday (29 January) to announce the funding agreement that will give regional mayors more power to direct government funding where they believe it is needed.

It is hoped this will help Greater Manchester deliver transformative projects across the region’s Bee Network, while keeping tickets affordable.

Hailing the announcement, Elsie Blundell, Heywood and Middleton North MP, said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement that will enable housing to be built around Castleton Station – a step which will increase the number of good jobs available to my constituents and enhance existing rail connections at a time of real innovation across Greater Manchester and the Bee Network.

“Through compatibility between new planning laws, making best use of unused land and improvements in rail we can ensure that people living in communities like mine feel a sense of place and belonging, in a location that suits them and their ambitions.

"We have long needed such a bold and pioneering approach to fully utilise the community assets which have been there the whole time.

"These steps make perfect sense for the people of Heywood and Middleton North and I am proud to give them my wholehearted support.”

Castleton is one of five train stations in the Rochdale borough included in a 15-year regeneration vision for railway towns. In 2021, a Rochdale Council masterplan outlined the project to transform brownfield land around Castleton, Littleborough, Mills Hill, Rochdale and Smithy Bridge stations into 7,000 homes, commercial space and a ‘cycle corridor’.
 

Read more: Council announces plans for thousands of new homes as part of rail regenerationPublished: 22 April 2020

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter