Communities and Local Government Minister visits Rochdale

Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell visiting on Kirkholt Estate

Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell came to Rochdale on Friday 2 September to visit the new housing builds on Kirkholt Estate and to talk to community leaders on the Strand.

Mr Stunell visited two building sites in Kirkholt: Romney Avenue, which is having brand new bungalows built and the Curzon/Cumberland site, which will have a mix of new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses for both purchase and rent. There will also be room for two bungalows to be built.

He then went on to meet local representatives of the community and businesses from the Strand in central Kirkholt. This was hosted at the Drop In Centre.

Both businesses and the local community expressed the need for a new Strand shopping revitalisation, as the current precinct is in serious decline. Many thought this would be a critical catalyst to helping kick start and boost the rest of the regeneration programme.

There was also talk about a bid for a "Kirkholt Gateway" - this would enable the Hill Top School site more attractive to future developers once Waterloo Road is moved to Scotland.

Mr Stunell suggested there was still money being invested into new homes, although not as much as previously. Examples were the £200million going into the "new homes bonus" where Councils get to keep a matched amount of Council Tax for every new home built. He mentioned that bids could be presented to the Homes and community agency which has almost £2billion to support new affordable housing.

Mr Stunell said: “It was great to meet with residents and local businesses to get a clearer insight into the successes and problems areas such as Kirkholt are facing.

“The Coalition Government is determined to introduce powerful new incentives to encourage communities to build new properties and to refurbish existing properties. Despite the tough financial climate, we have made money available to tackle the problem.

Kirkholt Councillor Pat Colclough said: “We invited Andrew along to take a look at some of the fantastic regeneration work taking place on Kirkholt. We’ve got some key projects ongoing and more needs to be done in the future. Speaking to local residents and business owners afterwards I know they appreciated the chance to speak the Minister and they highlighted some valid issues that we face.”

Cllr Dale Mulgrew added: "Speaking to local residents and business owners afterwards I know they appreciated the chance to speak to the Minister. This is because during the meeting they highlighted some valid issues that the Kirkholt estate faces in the future.

"Overall I do think this was a valuable visit because the Minister saw first hand the hopes and fears of a community which still needs regeneration work to continue.”