Former Crescent Hotel to undergo a major facelift

Former Crescent Hotel to undergo a major facelift

The former Crescent Hotel on Drake Street is to undergo a major facelift.

The building has been unoccupied for several years and has fallen into disrepair.

Rochdale Council is using new powers to carry out improvements to the building and to charge the owners.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: "This must be one of the grottiest buildings in the town and a real eyesore. It is in a very prominent position on a major gateway into Rochdale. It's a disgrace the owner has let it fall into such a state of disrepair.

"Every time I pass it on the tram I shudder. Just what do visitors coming into Rochdale think when they see this derelict dump? It really is blot on the landscape.

"With the arrival of Metrolink this whole area has undergone a major facelift, but this building is letting down the district. It creates a shocking impression to hundreds of visitors to the town arriving by tram every day.

"Council officers have been negotiating with the owner for months in an attempt to get the building repaired and improved, but he has been unwilling or unable to carry them out.

"Now the Council has stepped in and will carry out the work in default. The cost of repairs will be charged against the building and will be recovered once the building is sold - plus interest."

Work will start this week on a major facelift including re-rendering the building, painting and essential repairs to make the building safe. The owner will be given 12 months to sell the building to bring it back into use, if not, the Council will force the sale.

Local councillor Mohammed Zaman said: "I am really pleased that at long last we are seeing some action. I have been complaining about the shocking state of this building for years, but the owner has refused to do anything. I am glad the council has got tough and is carrying out the repairs to improve this eyesore. It will be a real improvement and enhance the area no end. "

Councillor Farnell added: "I hope this is a wake up call to absentee owners who allow their properties to become an eyesore or fall into a dangerous state of [dis]repair. The Council will use its powers to take action to carry out essential improvements and present the owner with the bill.

"We are working hard to try and improve Rochdale and I am determined buildings like the Crescent Hotel will not pull the town down."