Plans explored for town centre river feature

Rochdale town centre could be transformed if the River Roch and its historic bridges are re-opened

Officials from The Environment Agency have visited Rochdale to look at the River Roch in the town centre in light of hopes to re-open it as part of the town’s ambitious regeneration plans.

Their tour focused on the route the river takes through the town centre, looking at the condition of the river walls, the services that cross it, drainage and the condition of the river bed.

Peter Rowlinson, Director of Planning and Regulation at Rochdale Borough Council who also attended, said it was a promising visit: “The Environment Agency are supporting an investigation to look at the possibility of re-opening the river.

“There is a lot of work to do but it was a positive visit and no major problems have been encountered so far. Re-opening the river is part of our plan for the development of the town centre.”

The project is looking at the possibility of opening up the river Roch on the Esplanade and at the bottom of Yorkshire Street where it is currently covered, to reveal historical bridges.

“Rochdale Bridge at the bottom of Yorkshire Street is of particular interest as it comprises bridges from 1700’s on the outer edges and much older medieval bridges on the inside of these two bridges. These would be a unique feature and a real attraction for Rochdale if they could be opened up,” he added.

Once further investigations have been completed and costs have been estimated, an application for funding is due to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund later this year, with support from The Environment Agency.