River re-opening a step closer

Photo: Margaret Curry

The River Roch uncovered in the Town Centre in 1996 revealing a medieval bridge

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Ambitious plans to uncover Rochdale’s medieval heritage by re-opening the river in the town centre have moved a step closer to becoming reality.

A planning application for the project has now been submitted to Rochdale Borough Council.

The scheme would see three sections of the River Roch uncovered revealing a medieval bridge.

The Environment Agency has already committed £500,000 for the scheme which is expected to cost £3.5 million.

The council is planning to submit a Heritage Grant Bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund at the end of this month. The bid will include the conservation of the medieval bridge and a programme of activities to involve local communities with the project.

English Heritage visited Rochdale in July and expressed its support for the project as part of the wider heritage-led regeneration plans.

A decision on the application is expected before Christmas.