Regeneration plan brings state-of-the-art police services to Middleton

John Taylor of Rochdale Development Agency, Inspector Gary Hall and Councillor Mohammad Sharif, Cabinet member for Regeneration at the former magistrates court

Rochdale Development Agency has brokered a deal that will allow Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to transform its Middleton base and provide a dedicated public protection unit.

GMP is to exchange an annexe building with supermarket chain Tesco to make space for a new petrol station. In return GMP will take ownership of a former magistrates court building and receive a contribution of £500,000 towards its refurbishment.

It plans to use this money along with a further £1.6 million of its own funds to relocate the public protection unit, move the force-wide murder incident unit from the annexe building and refurbish the current police station.

The agreement is part of a major deal with Tesco which will also bring a £13 million civic and leisure centre to the town ahead of a new superstore being built.

It will be the first time the borough has had a dedicated local public protection unit as the service is currently managed from Bury.

Refurbishment work is already underway.

Inspector Gary Hall, Neighbourhood Inspector for Middleton, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured the use of the former magistrates court building which has been empty for some time. It will allow us to expand and improve the facilities available to the public.

“The existing police station will also be refurbished as part of the development. I believe this demonstrates our commitment to serving the needs of the people of Middleton.”

John Taylor of Rochdale Development Agency, added: “This move is a win-win situation for the police and redevelopment of the town centre. The ambitions laid out in the masterplan are being brought to life and will benefit everyone living in Middleton.”

RDA spearheaded the deal with Tesco that will see new civic and sports facilities built before work starts on the town centre store.

The Middleton Arena which will cover a surface area of 7,300 square metres will include:

• two swimming pools
• a sports hall
• dance studios
• squash courts
• contours gym
• modern civic facilities with offices and public spaces

The developments are part of Rochdale Development Agency’s masterplan for Middleton, which also includes proposals for a new post office, relocation of the market, new car parking provision and improved shops.