Council Leader Richard Farnell meets Rochdale Centre Forward representatives

Council Leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, Shelly Buxton and Kirsty Buxton

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Council, met with representatives of Rochdale Centre Forward, a group of business people and residents who are campaigning to have a say regarding improvements to Rochdale Town Centre.

Councillor Farnell met with Shelly and Kirsty Buxton at Shelly B's Cafe on Drake Street, listened to their concerns, answered their questions and discussed in detail the council's plans for a number of initiatives, such as a new design for the river re-opening, which in stage two could involve opening the river all the way across to the police station, and the market possibly being relocated to The Butts. A £17million project to turn the Grade 1 listed town hall into a prestigious venue for weddings and conferences and potentially also a top class restaurant and trendy wine bar. The Rochdale town centre east project was also discussed and Councillor Farnell explained he is due to meet with Generate8, the developers, for a progress report.

Questioned about claims that grants of up to 90% for buildings in the town centre are dependent on the river re-opening, Councillor Farnell said this is not true and described the claims as "scaremongering". These conservation area grants are nothing to do with the grant towards re-opening the river, he explained. Moreover, the council will be applying for a substantial grant (£7-8million) for the town hall project but again that is completely separate and not dependent on the river re-opening. 

Mrs and Ms Buxton were passionate about the need to improve Drake Street, given it is the gateway to the town centre, and were pleased to hear Councillor Farnell agree and promise to get things moving and also seek answers as to the council's longer term strategic plans for Drake Street.

Speaking to Rochdale Online after the meeting, Kirsty Buxton said: "It was good to meet the new leader of Rochdale Council and for our concerns and ideas to finally be listened to."

Councillor Farnell said: "It was really interesting to meet the Drake Street traders and have a frank discussion about a wide range of issues, including the regeneration of the town centre. I came away with lots of ideas that will help shape our future plans. I really enjoy these discussions. It's really important to listen carefully to what people on the shop floor have to say."