Council building moves a step closer

Rochdale Council has submitted an outline planning application for its new offices, customer service centre and library.

Subject to the outcome of a consultation process, it is expected the application will be presented to the Rochdale Planning Sub Committee on 16 March and the Regulatory Committee on 29 March for a final decision.

Mark Widdup, Transformation Programme Director, said: “The development of the building is progressing well and we are confident that the final design will meet the needs of customers, the council and our partners. It will be a great landmark on Rochdale’s horizon.”

The riverside building will provide open plan office accommodation for around 2,000 staff from the council and partner organisations. It will also include a customer service centre and a new public library.

Clearance of the site is well underway and a shortlist of construction companies has been invited to bid for the role of contractor for the new building, which is due to open in 2012.