MIPIM VIDEO | Building a sustainable gateway to Rochdale

A focus on a compelling sustainable transport strategy that creates appealing public realm is at the heart of Rochdale’s station gateway project, said the council’s Mark Robinson and Sandra Robinson of delivery partner WSP.

The project forms part of the Rochdale Rail Corridor Strategy, aimed at regenerating areas around the borough’s five train stations: Rochdale, Smithy Bridge, Castleton, Mills Hill, and Littleborough. 

Place North West editor Julia Hatmaker caught up with Mark Robinson and Sandra Robinson at MIPIM.

• Watch the video above or on YouTube

Mark Robinson is director of economy at Rochdale Council. He said: “We wanted to really maximise the opportunity that the station and the railway corridor have for the borough in terms of reducing car dependency, promoting sustainable living, reducing our carbon footprint, and maximising active travel and public transport opportunities.”

Sandra Robinson, technical director, strategic growth at WSP, said: “The station has a lot of defined characteristics and usage includes commercial, healthcare, industrial and residential. So we needed to look at those competing challenges and the different users and vehicles that access the station, and put forward a compelling sustainable transport strategy to enable everyone to enjoy the space.”

On the people aspect of the scheme, Mark Robinson added: “There’s a really strong community around the station. We’ve got a strong local centre – a theatre, a school, and a number of community assets. But the community has turned its back on the station itself and we really wanted to engage the community and make the station a focal point.”

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