Demolition of the Black Box almost complete

Date published: 23 September 2014

The demolition of 'The Black Box' is almost complete with the contractors, Connell Brothers, removing the scaffolding ready for their 'nibblers' to level the remainder of the much maligned building within the next few weeks.

The demolition of the building, along with demolitions already completed of the former car dealership, the old bus station, St Andrew's Church and the Broadwater Centre are intended to make way for a new retail and leisure development, however, the viability of that development has been questioned by some, including Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk and Bill Grimsey, one of the UK’s leading retail turnaround specialists.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/80046/turnaround-specialist-pours-cold-water-on-council%E2%80%99s-town-centre-regeneration

Having spent over £20 million on aquistion and demolitions, Rochdale Development Agency is understood to remain "confident" that the project, some seven plus years on from the 'Rochdale Town Centre East Draft Area Framework' which outlined the redevelopment plans, will come to fruition.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/2469/councillors-to-view-early-proposals-for-town-centre-redevelopment

However, in the meantime the space is set to be become a hugely expensive car park and footpaths.

A new £2.5 million council-funded entrance to the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre on Baillie Street is under way and it is understood that the Bank of Ireland, the owners of the Wheatsheaf since it went into administration in 2010, is now actively seeking to sell the shopping centre.