Change of tack for Rochdale’s Central Retail Park homes
The council and construction partner Willmott Dixon are bringing forward a 224-home project close to the town’s main train station after Capital&Centric stepped away from the scheme.
Capital&Centric had drawn up plans with architect ShedKM for a 200-home development on the former Central Retail Park site in Rochdale and consulted on the proposals last year.
However, the Manchester-based developer – which is also progressing schemes in Farnworth and Stockport – is no longer involved in the scheme.
“Wilmott Dixon, the council’s pre-procured contractor for the project, wanted to progress the neighbourhood in a way that didn’t hold true to our vision,” said Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric.
“As such, they’re going to take the site forward and we wish them and Rochdale Council the best of luck.”
Rochdale Council and its development agency are now progressing plans to redevelop the six-acre site, aiming to provide 81 townhouses and 143 apartments.
The local authority bought the site from Town Centre Securities for £13m in 2018 and its redevelopment forms part of the council’s Rail Corridor Strategy.
The strategy has identified mainly brownfield sites around the borough’s railways stations that can be used for new housing or employment space.
“This is a major step forward for Rochdale,” said Cllr John Blundell, Rochdale’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration.
“This [project] will bring many benefits in terms of health as we increase the opportunity to walk or cycle to work or to access public transport to commute, Manchester being just 15 minutes away by train for example.
“It will be an attractive place to live with areas of recreation in addition to the gardens homes will have.”
Capital&Centric’s iteration of the scheme was designed by ShedKM. Credit: via Font Comms
Oh look, lots of lovely balconies. In Rochdale.
One wonders why MCC are so averse to them.
By Balcony watch
What a shame! It seems like those in control have missed a great opportunity to develop something vibrant and aspirational, and instead have opted for an identikit building which could literally be any town anywhere. Seems like a wasted chance to do something which could have given Rochdale a real boost. Disappointing.
By David White
Once again, really disappointing architecture for Rochdale. A real lost opportunity for the town. Rochdale needs to shake itself up. It had a great opportunity to deliver something fantastic but it’s gone for lowest common denominator development.
By Anonymous
David White is spot on. Another dated, dreary offering. Let’s hope Stockport and Bolton council have more vision for the other two developments.
By Elephant
Not a lost opportunity if the Council couldn’t afford it. The only thing C&C bring is their brand. They don’t take any risk or provide any funding. Best decision for the council tax payers of Rochdale.
By Anonymous
I’m really disappointed, this new design looks fine, but what was proposed was excellent, such a shame but no surprise
By Dave Simpson
Aren’t Wilmot Dixon just a contractor? To be fair Anonymous, Capital and Centric have delivered Kampus and Ducie Street Warehouse. They, along with the likes of De Trafford and Splash are leagues ahead of others in terms of architecture and place making. Manchester is blessed with having a numbers of good developers and I’d include Muse and Peel in that. Admittedly Splash have had their problems but they have left a great legacy.
By Simon
Wonder why C&C can work in Bolton & Stockport but not Rochdale? Perhaps the Council doesn’t like to take risk either?
By Anonymous
All about ££££… with current market conditions viability of schemes are at risk and “vibrant design” costs money that doesn’t add to the value of the development
By Anonymous
I was excited for this, now it looks a bit ‘anywhere’, I can see why capital and centric wouldn’t put their name to it, as someone here has said, why harm their brand for Rochdale, its not worth it.
By Mike Thorn
Not sure it’s the major step forward the council think it is, looks like a step backwards to me
By Matthew