Consultation begins on new Council building

An artist's impression of the new Council offices.

Rochdale residents can have their say on the new council offices for Rochdale Town Centre when consultation events begin next week.

Members of the public can comment on the look of the new building, which will replace the municipal 'black box' and provide a new customer service centre.

The majority of council services will be based in the new building, which is due to open in 2012.

The Council believes that the new development will bring a better delivery of services and will save the Council tens of millions of pounds in maintenance costs and bringing other buildings up to new sustainability standards.

The new building will house around 2,000 council employees, as well as some staff from partner organisations. Council employees will be moved Telegraph House and the current Municipal Offices and these buildings will be demolished as part of the regeneration of the town centre.

The new building will be on the old Yelloways site, over the road from the current bus station, with construction starting in May next year.

At the consultation people will be able to give their views on a range of models of the new building, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

A Council spokesperson said: "Your views matter and they'll be fed into the next stage of the design process. The planning application for the new building will be submitted towards the end of this year and you'll have another opportunity to have your say at that time.

"We want this building to be something that future generations of residents and visitors to Rochdale can be proud of and admire so please go along and influence the future of Rochdale."

There are five days of consultation taking place:

Wednesday 16 September 10.30am-3.30pm
The Butts, Rochdale town centre

Thursday 17 September 10.30am-3.30pm
The Butts, Rochdale town centre
Wheatsheaf Library, Baillie Street 

Friday 18 September 10.30am-3.30pm
The Butts, Rochdale town centre
Customer Service Centre – Floor 2, Municipal Offices, Smith Street

Saturday 19 September 10.30am-3.30pm
Wheatsheaf Library, Baillie Street
Asda, Dane Street, Rochdale

Sunday 20 September 10.30am-3.30pm
Asda, Dane Street, Rochdale