Additional station parking plans welcomed

Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet members tonight (Monday 13 September 2010) approved proposals to provide additional car parking at Rochdale Station

Concerns about parking at the station have been continually highlighted to the Council and tonight’s decision was welcomed by STORM (Support the Oldham, Rochdale and Manchester Rail lines).

The Cabinet’s decision will see a provision of 354 parking spaces on Central Retail Park in an arrangement with Town Centre Securities, and an additional 30 spaces on Richard Street.

The spaces on Central Retail Park will be pay and display at a charge of £1.50 per day at a capital cost of £11,100.

Proposals for the creation of a car park between Haji’s and Worldwide on Station Road will also be developed.

More parking is needed for several reasons, including increased usage of the station by commuters, the proposed Metrolink development creating a demand for parking, the permanent loss of spaces from the Metrolink work.

There will also be a temporary loss of spaces around the station caused by the Metrolink construction.

It is thought there will be a net loss of up to 170 spaces during the peak construction activity and a permanent loss of at least 90 spaces.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew welcomed the plans and how pro-active the council has been, he also suggested that there could also be a benefit to traders on Drake Street.

John Murray from STORM welcomed the plans, he said: “I am delighted with the proposals; it is very timely, Thank you very much.”

The money for the proposed investments has previously been approved within the Priority Investment Fund.