Officials take stock of Rochdale’s regeneration

Councillor Andrew Fender and Councillor Colin Lambert overlooking the interchange site (centre) and Number One Riverside (left)

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, and Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Council, paid a visit to the site of Rochdale’s new interchange this week to discuss the development’s crucial role in the regeneration of the town centre.

The government gave full and final approval for the new £11.5m interchange in February and talks to appoint a contractor are progressing well.

Work should start on the ground this spring and, once complete, the new interchange will be Europe’s first transport interchange to have an integrated hydropower source, thanks to an innovative hydroelectric plant built into the site that uses the flow of the River Roch.

Crucially, the announcement also means that the land occupied by the existing bus station, built under the multi-storey car park in the 1970s, can now be used as part of the wider £250m town centre redevelopment.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Securing the full and final approval for the interchange was crucial because it triggers a number of other projects.

“So not only is Rochdale Interchange going to be a fantastic, modern gateway for the town centre – and a European first, thanks to its hydropower plant – it is also going to play a crucial part in making Rochdale an exciting destination for residents, shoppers and businesses alike.”

Council Leader, Colin Lambert, said: “The interchange is the catalyst for the multi-million regeneration which is transforming Rochdale town centre. It means we can demolish the existing out-dated bus station to create a new retail and leisure development.

“It’s in the ideal location next door to Number One Riverside, our new library and council offices, and opposite the town centre Metrolink stop making it easier for everyone to come and visit Rochdale.”