Major development plans for Kingsway unveiled

Homes, shops, a hotel and offices form part of a multi-million pound masterplan being proposed for Kingsway Business Park, in Rochdale.

A planning application has been submitted for the next phase of the flagship business park – which is half the size of Manchester City Centre.

The plans would see 160 new homes built alongside the Rochdale Canal, along with a masterplan for the Kingsway Village Centre – which would provide facilities, including a convenience store and other shops, to support the business park and new housing development.

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency, said: “This is a very exciting step for Kingsway Business Park’s development.

“The Kingsway Village will help attract new companies to the business park, and also support its current workforce. It is very much part of our plan to make this a mixed use site.

“Rochdale is in need of more quality family housing. The housing element of the scheme will help to address that issue, and also support the ongoing regeneration of the canal area and Stanney Brook wildlife corridor.”

The Kingsway Village proposals will help support the expansion of the business park and includes a masterplan for:

• 60,000 sq ft of office space, with five units ranging from 20,000sq ft to 5,000 sq ft
• A convenience store
• Four small shops
• A budget hotel 
• A pub / restaurant
• Childcare facilities 

The new development will create up to 200 new jobs.

A decision on the proposals is expected early next year. If approved the first new homes could be ready by the end of 2011.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, Cabinet Member for Development at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Kingsway is developing a reputation as a destination of choice for major companies and this next move will support its progress further as a major centre for business in the North West.

“JD Sports is currently carrying out work on its new 850,000 sq ft site, whilst businesses including CR Laurence and Vindon Scientific are now firmly established.

“It is also great to see executive homes being developed in Rochdale as we have a shortage. Such homes will help us encourage people who are working in the area to live here too, putting money back into the local economy.”

The overall business park site will create thousands of jobs, all of which will be easily accessible to the people of Rochdale given the location of the park. Discussions are also ongoing to put a Metrolink stop at the business park.

Wilson Bowden Developments has master planned the proposals for the Kingsway Village, and is working with David Wilson Homes on the detailed planning application for the housing development.

David Ward, Planning Director for Wilson Bowden Developments, said: “The mixed use nature of this high quality site is one of its strengths, and new housing will genuinely complement the overall offer on the site.

“We’re also pleased to be able to confirm the master plan for the Kingsway Village Centre, which we expect will come forward in phases as the site continues to develop.”