Rochdale regeneration contracts up for discussion

The relocation of the Municipal Offices is a key stage in the regeneration of the town centre

Local suppliers are to be given the chance to bid for contracts for the regeneration of the town centre at Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday 15 July between 5pm and 7pm.

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed as the main contractor for the design and construction of Rochdale’s new retail centre, library and council offices building. Local businesses will be able to exchange ideas at the meeting.  

The value of the contracts will vary depending on the nature of the work from smaller jobs at £5,000 up to larger construction projects in excess of £5million.

A wide range of skills, services and suppliers are needed to deliver the building, which is due to be completed in 2012, including construction skills such as painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, electrical and mechanical services, concreting and roofing.

They are also looking for businesses to supply materials and fittings, including steelwork to fixings.

Sir Robert McAlpine will start construction on the Smith Street site early next year, once a remediation of the site has been completed.

Councillor Keith Swift, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Skills and Economic Recovery, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for local businesses. The building promises to be a fantastic development; it will change the skyline forever and anyone involved in bringing it to life will really have something to be proud of.

“The relocation of the Municipal Offices is a key stage in the regeneration of the town centre. When all staff are relocated, the current Municipal Offices along with the bus station and car park and other nearby buildings will be demolished to make way for the retail and leisure development which will completely revitalise the town centre and give workers and staff more great places to shop and spend their free time.”

The building will provide open plan office accommodation for around 2,000 staff from the council and its partner organisations. It will also include a ‘one-stop’ customer service centre and a state-of-the-art public library.