Masterplan for Station Approach to be developed

Councillors have agreed to develop a masterplan for Station Approach in Rochdale and to seek expressions of interests for the land on completion of the masterplan.

The decision, made by the Council Cabinet, comes following local opposition to develop a short stay car park on council owned land at Station Approach.

The land was identified as a potential short stay car park in September 2010, much to the dismay of locals.

The land in question forms the central part of a block located between Station Approach and Lower Tweedale Street. The block is divided into three ownerships with Worldwide Cash and Carry and Haji’s Cash and Carry located at the two ends of the block with the Council land sandwiched in the centre.

At present the land is occupied by some small industrial units which are fully occupied with two tenants. The tenants are on licenses but have been in occupation for many years - the notice period is three months.

Extensive negotiations have taken place to relocate the tenants, who the council say “have consistently refused options presented to them in favour of a desire to remain where they are”, and the council say that whilst they are looking for alternative locations they “are not optimistic that a solution can be found.”

The council say that throughout the process they have emphasised that they wish to retain the companies and not lose the jobs provided by the tenants.

Presentations were made to councillors at Monday night’s cabinet meeting with one stating that regeneration of the area is “well overdue,” a sentiment, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, agreed with, and another suggesting that the plans for a car park favoured the larger businesses.

Councillors agreed to move forward with a masterplan and encouraged the current businesses to become involved with the discussions.

A masterplan is expected to be created by March 2012.