Expanding to meet the challenge

Rochdale Development Agency logo

Over 80 representatives of local, regional and national organisations and businesses met at the 11^th Annual Meeting of Rochdale Development Agency held at the Bella Vista, Milnrow.

Barrie Bernstein, Chairman of the RDA, explained how the Agency has grown to meet new responsibilities in relation to the development of town centres in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton, maximising economic development opportunities along Rochdale Canal and a significant role under the Government’s Housing Marketing Renewal Programme. Staff numbers had doubled and turnover for the Agency had significantly increased in 2003/4 and both are projected to increase still further this year.

RDA Chief Executive John Hudson, reviewed some of the main achievements of the Agency in the last year. Highlights included the progress made in the east central area of Rochdale with new community and health facilities being planned and the plans for Rochdale Town Centre that include the new bus station and new opportunities for commercial development.

The guest speaker for the event was Paul Spooner, Regional Director of English Partnerships, the National Regeneration Agency. Mr Spooner outlined the role of English Partnerships and explained how the organisation works with local partners to maximise opportunities of developing brownfield sites. Mr Spooner said he was looking forward to getting involved with the regeneration opportunities that Rochdale had to offer.

The event was sponsored by new inward investor, LBM Intelligent Contact. LBM’s Operations Director, Tony Bailey told the audience about LBM’s rapid growth from the company’s establishment in 1996 to 2004 when it is now the UK’s largest direct marketing agency. He also spoke about why the company had chosen the borough for its new 500 seat call centre that opened in August at Stakehill, Middleton, including how the RDA had assisted with many aspects of the new investment.