BDP wins Rochdale town centre revamp

Rochdale Council and the Royal Institute of British Architects have selected BDP as the winners of the design competition to transform the town centre and complement plans to improve access to the River Roch.

BDP beat contenders Adam Khan Architects, Atkins, Bauman Lyons and Land Use Consultants to win the contest.

The winning design included glass viewing platforms to allow visitors to see exposed bridges in more detail as well as extensive greenery around the site.

The project will complement the £100m retail-led development proposed by Genr8, which signed an agreement with Rochdale in September 2013.

Cllr Colin Lambert, council leader, said: "The transformation of the public realm on and around the Butts will enhance the river reopening which is an incredibly exciting project and a critical part of our regeneration plans. Along with our £100m development agreement, it will move us closer to the fantastic town centre our residents and visitors deserve."

Alan Davies, historic environments team leader in BDP's Manchester studio, said: "The town's centre has great character, which our designs aim to enhance. The plan also sets out to create a high quality environment which is responsive to both the wealth of historic buildings and the town's mediaeval bridge, which will be uncovered and repaired as part of the river's reopening. Also integral to our design concept is the interpretation of Rochdale's rich history as a centre of textile manufacture, radical politics and the co-operative movement, and these will also be reflected in the scheme."

The judging panel consisted of Cllr Lambert, Mark Robinson, head of planning at Rochdale Council, local architect Paul Clark, chartered landscape architect Annie Coombes and architect and urban designer, Charles Wilson.