New design for River Roch opening in town centre

This original design proposal will now be replaced with a scheme more in keeping with the medieval bridge that will be uncovered

The scheme to reopen the River Roch in Rochdale Town Centre will see a new design replace the controversial design that had previously been selected.

It is understood the new design will be more in keeping with the medieval bridge that is to be uncovered and gone will be the modern concrete walls and glass design previously agreed.

A revised scheme to reopen the river was approved by the Council cabinet on Monday 27 October, with support from the Environment Agency which says that removing the culvert will reduce the risk of flooding.

The scheme will also cost £1millon less than the originally proposed scheme.

The new plan will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund with a decision on whether they will help fund the scheme expected by the end of the year. If it is approved, work could start on site as early as February 2015.