Future plans for state-of-the-art campus regeneration unveiled

Artists impression of Hopwood Hall Rochdale Campus

Hopwood Hall College has unveiled exciting plans outlining proposals for new campus buildings at both its Rochdale and Middleton sites. The state-of-the-art structures are depicted in two artist’s impressions which give an idea of the outstanding learning environment that could be available in the borough by 2011. 

At this stage, planning permission has not been applied for as the college has first to submit an application for funding to the Learning and Skills Council to find out whether the plans will be given the go ahead.  The application will be submitted by the end of this month. 

The College’s accommodation strategy aims to completely rebuild the Rochdale campus with a substantial regeneration planned for the Middleton campus, all taking shape over the next three years. During construction, the college will operate as normal, continuing to offer the full range of courses to learners. The new campus developments will further re-enforce the college’s aim of providing the widest of range of quality education and training to learners in the borough of Rochdale and beyond, ensuring they achieve their individual, educational and employment goals whilst providing the skills needed in our region.

Principal Derek O’Toole commented: “We will be informed in April if the application has been approved in principle, which will then allow us to progress to a full planning application. This project is the largest and most ambitious in the college’s history and our aim is to reflect and support the 14-19 Strategy for Rochdale and beyond by incorporating support for the delivery of the specialised diploma portfolios.”

Assistant Director for Corporate Services Susan Baines plans to keep communication links open: “The College has been working closely with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council to ensure that its proposals complement activities under Building Schools for the Future and those of the Rochdale Sixth Form College. We are also in the process of consultation with current students and staff, future students and the local community. There will be a formal consultation process for planning consent but in addition to this, we will be presenting the plans, through each major stage, to key stakeholders including the townships, local schools, groups and organisations. Interested parties can contact me for further information on 0161 643 7560 (ext 3295).”  

Plans for Rochdale Campus

Fronting St Mary’s Gate in the town centre of Rochdale, it is envisaged this campus will undergo total change with the provision of an entirely new college. This offers the opportunity for a stunning new building to enhance the town’s regeneration plans. It is proposed that the new college will be built on the College Road frontage, on the existing engineering block. The new Rochdale Sixth Form College will be built (opening in September 2010) on the South bank of the river Roch on the existing college site. Together, both projects see the beginning of the new learning quarter for Rochdale come into creation.

Plans for Middleton Campus

Hopwood Hall’s Middleton Campus sits within designated Green Belt land and has one listed building (Milnrow – the chapel) and two buildings designated in planning terms as ‘of local importance’ (Littleborough and Ashworth buildings). All these buildings will be retained. The proposals include the creation of a new multi-purpose events space and performance venue to support the college, potentially the community and certainly the Performing Arts students who are to re-locate from their current facilities on the Rochdale Campus. Old residential units will be demolished with land returning to grass and woodland.

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Arists impresions:

1. Rochdale Campus

2. Middleton Campus