Councillors agree to fund turnaround facility

Councillors have agreed to fund the additional cost of constructing a new turnaround and servicing facility in Rochdale town centre.
 
The new turnaround, serving and taxi rank facility on River Street and Faulkner Street, adjoining the new Transport Interchange, incorporates the widening of River Street to provide for two-way traffic and the creation of a cul-de-sac arrangement.
 
The facility is needed to help deliver the future Highways Movement Framework for the town centre and to provide loading and serving facilities for the businesses on Drake Street.
 
A report put before Cabinet members on Monday night outlined that the new facility will be constructed as part of the main contract for the new Transport Interchange.
 
It added: “Members approval is requested to fund the additional cost of widening River Street and constructing the new turnaround and servicing facility with the approval of final costs to be delegated to the Chief Executive of the Council in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Cabinet once known.”
 
The cost could be as much as £150,000.
 
Councillors agreed to ‘release’ council owned land fronting River Street to allow for the widening of the highway.
 
The report adds: “Agreement has been reached with TfGM on how the amended scheme will be included in the Interchange construction contract. The cul-de-sac turnaround area and servicing / taxi facility will be delivered as part of the Interchange contract.
 
“Because the new scheme requires River Street to be widened to create two way running, more construction work needs to be undertaken, increasing build costs.
 
“It is necessary therefore to fund the difference in costs between the original Interchange scheme and the amended scheme now proposed.
 
“The estimated cost for the amended scheme has been prepared by the Highways Service and this has been shared with TfGM.

“Discussions with TfGM are currently on-going to determine the difference in costs between the original and the proposed scheme.
 
“The initial estimate is that the amended scheme will cost an additional £150,000.
 
“Construction work on the main Transport Interchange is due to commence in
April 2012.
 
“In order to ensure the proposed facility can be delivered as part of the Interchange contract, it is hoped that the final costs can be determined over the coming weeks.
 
“Subject to agreeing the final costs and approval to funding, TfGM will be formally instructed to incorporate the amendments into the Transport Interchange scheme.”