Improvements around station sought by REAG

The area of grass opposite the train station

Members of the Rochdale Environmental Action Group (REAG) would like to see Rochdale Council improve the area around Rochdale Railway Station – an area they see as the gateway to Rochdale. The wants a positive image created to those travelling in and out of Rochdale via the train and tram facilities.

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, Secretary of the Rochdale Environmental Action Group said: “Millions of pounds have been and are still being spent to improve the physical environment of the Borough of Rochdale. All those who have been involved must be congratulated for their time and effort. After spending so much money, are we creating a positive image of Rochdale to those millions of people who travel from the railway station and use the tram to go in and out of Rochdale?”

One area that the group believes could be improved is an area of grass opposite the train station.

Ghulam added: “This area could be converted into a flower bed with 'Welcome to Rochdale – birthplace of the Co-operative Movement' in it. There could also be the flags of countries where there are Co-operative stores or Co-operative banks. It would promote a positive image of the Borough of Rochdale.”

Another spot the group has pointed out is the former Crescent Hotel. It is understood that the building has been empty for 10-15 years and is seen as a hazard by some locals.

The now derelict former Crescent Hotel

“The owner should be approached to improve, lease or demolish it. If this building stands there as it is, the area cannot be called a physically improved area,” added Ghulam.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are open to the idea of improving the area around Rochdale Railway Station in this way and are currently looking into how we might fund this project. We also have a wider masterplan for the station gateway which sets out how we can work with local businesses in the area to help them exploit development opportunities.

"We are working with the owner of the Crescent Hotel and currently looking at options for refurbishment and future use of the property. If we are unable to come to a suitable agreement with the owner, there are a number of enforcement powers the authority can use to bring the property into use.”