Leading architect sees fine Rochdale design

Ian Simpson

Renowned architect Ian Simpson, a newly-appointed Board member of the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, has seen for himself how good design is helping to transform the towns.

Mr Simpson joined officers from the HMR Pathfinder and Rochdale Council to visit the Nelson Place development now underway in Wardleworth, and the former Dale and Arkwright Mills site in Hamer.

A first phase of 25 eco-friendly homes are being built at Nelson Place, and work will begin soon on a further 85 homes at Dale Mill.

Mr Simpson, who grew up in Heywood, near Rochdale, hopes his passion for good design and knowledge of the area will benefit the Pathfinder as it increases the choice of housing on offer in both boroughs.

Mr Simpson said, “I feel really honoured to be involved. The issue of housing renewal, particularly in the northern town where I grew up is of great interest, and I like the ambition here.”

“I see my role as being able to share my experience of regeneration and to make sure the very high design standards already shown here are maintained.”

“It’s all about encouraging excellence and sharing knowledge. The legacy I see the Pathfinder leaving behind raises the bar in terms of quality and will create real homes and real communities where people will want to live and move back to.”

The quality of both developments that Mr Simpson visited was recognised last month, when both were successful at the national Housing Design Awards

Mr Simpson believes that the new housing being planned across the Pathfinder (around 2,500 homes over the next three years) will increase choice and encourage areas to be more sustainable.

The Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder, one of twelve in the UK, has invested more than £78 million in areas suffering from deep-rooted problems and lower house prices. It has given developers the confidence to invest in areas that have been starved of private investment over many decades – with £24 million earmarked for 2007/08 as a direct result of the Pathfinder.

The increased choice is encouraging people to stay in their communities and help them prosper rather than leaving in search of better modern homes elsewhere.

The Pathfinder has set high standards for partner developers ensuring that all new homes are built to a minimum Eco-homes very good rating and also Building for Life silver award. It is also ensuring that new developments offer a range of sizes and affordable options to buy, rent or part-own.