Youngsters step back in time for 'Brighter Futures'

Learning is fun: The heritage guide helps explain history of Rochdale neighbourhoods

Youthful Rochdalians are being given the chance to learn about the borough’s heritage, thanks to a new Brighter Futures project.

A new guide to the history of the Milkstone and Deeplish areas around Rochdale railway station, Oldham Road and the Rochdale Canal is helping to highlight the areas proud past as well as shaping redevelopment plans for the future.

The partnership, involving Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Council and the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, felt it was important to investigate the built heritage of Inner Rochdale ahead of planned redevelopment and improvements in the area.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, who represents the area on Rochdale Council and is a member of the HMR Board said, "The guide should help local people get a better understanding of where they live and its fascinating history. They have an important role to play in shaping a thriving future, which is what the Brighter Futures project is looking to achieve."

Gary Davies, Inner Rochdale Project Lead explained, “In 2007 Housing Market Renewal carried out in-depth heritage study across the neighbourhood. It gave a chance for local people to share their memories of Milkstone and Deeplish, whilst looking to the future and the chance to transform the area.”

The guide provides a map of the key features in the neighbourhood, uncovering some architectural gems of the area’s history, including the Curtain Theatre on Milkstone Road, Halfpenny Bridge, which crossed the former canal arm, Victorian mills and a 21st century mosque.

Copies of the guide will be available from Rochdale Development Agency, both Deeplish and Castlemere community centres and other public buildings in the area.