The renaissance of Rochdale town centre continues

Date published: 04 November 2014

Renaissance: a revival of or renewed interest in something

Perhaps at this stage some would say the headline is optimistic in terms of reviving Rochdale town centre, however, there can be little doubt that the transformation the town centre has already undergone, and will continue to undergo, has generated a lot of interest, and as always with such major change, its fair share of controversy.

With the High Street in steep decline towns all over the country are having to face up to the challenge of reinventing their town centres and Rochdale is no exception.

With demolition of the Black Box now completed, the contractors are busy clearing the rubble. The fencing around the site has been removed and the vast space that has been created is now clearly visible. 

Part of the area will be landscaped and the rest will become a car park, until such time as the proposed development of a new retail and leisure centre begins - though that could be many years off yet. Despite the doubts surrounding the financial feasibility of the project, Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency remain steadfast in their determination to see the development come to fruition.

Telegraph House is slated for demolition but the council says there is no definite date as yet.

The huge changes that have taken place in the town centre over the past three years have already changed the landscape almost beyond recognition, and with the decision now taken to open part of the River Roch in the town centre, the landscape is set to change further with the bottom of Yorkshire Street being transformed. 

It is expected that the market will be relocated on to The Butts, though a final decision has not yet been taken.

The next step in the renaissance of the town centre is the revitalisation of the Grade 1 Listed Rochdale Town Hall - the subject of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

Proposals will seek to bring sections of the building, previously closed to the public for a number of years, back into use as public and commercial space.

Improvements to the area in front of the building to make it more attractive and inviting will complete the scheme, which would be delivered in phases over a five year period.