Green Apple Award for RDA

Janet Brooks, Senior Project Officer for RDA shows off the Green Apple Environment Award at the Townhead development

Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) and Bardon Contracting have been honoured for their work in keeping the town ‘green.’

RDA, along with development partner Bardon Contracting, have been awarded a Green Apple Environment Award for work redeveloping the historic area of Townhead, Rochdale.

The awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent environmental group, and celebrate companies’ eco-friendly credentials.

“This was an important development for Rochdale,” said Janet Brooks, Senior Project Officer for RDA.

“Townhead is a gateway to the town centre. The area was in need of refurbishment and we wanted to ensure that any work carried out met with our commitment to creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable Rochdale. We made sure we used natural materials wherever possible.”

Mark Shea, Northern Operations Manager for Bardon Contracting, part of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “This award win for Bardon Contracting adds to a collection of environmental accolades and demonstrates our firm commitment to sustainability.

“With tight timeframes and a range of specialist natural products required the pressure was on but we delivered the project on time. It is great to see the area being enjoyed by the residents and commuters of Rochdale.

“Our strong working relationship with RDA is testament to the project’s success and ultimately this award.”

RDA’s Sustainable Communities team received the accolade in the Built Environment category of the awards. The £360,000 Townhead development featured new natural sandstone pavements, Yorkstone paving, new benches, trees, litter bins and street lights. The project was designed and managed by the Impact Partnership, on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.

The Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme provided funding for the work, which was completed in October 2009.