Rochdale reveals station gateway revamp
Images have been released showing how the area around Rochdale’s railway station could look as the council looks to revive the area.
Earlier this year, Rochdale went to the public with plans for the area’s overhaul, with plans including pedestrianising a section of Maclure Road to create a public square.
The wider scheme could also include new homes and business space, alongside a 500-space park and ride facility on Miall Street.
The plans are now outlined in a supplementary planning document, which will guide the consideration of future planning applications in the area. Rochdale’s cabinet will vote on whether to formally adopt the SPD on 21 September.
Cllr John Blundell, cabinet member for economy & communications at Rochdale Council, said: “We received a number of responses to our consultation and we’ve responded to the concerns people have raised.
“These changes will allow us to deliver major improvements to really lift this whole area, while also maintaining vehicle access for all residents and businesses, including along the busy area of Milkstone Road.”
How the view down Milkstone Road could look. Credit: via Rochdale Council
The only section which will close to traffic will be the area immediately in front of the station, and all access to existing buildings, including the Nye Bevan Centre, Curtain Theatre and St John the Baptist Church, will be maintained, Cllr Blundell said.
He added: “At the moment, people are greeted with a sea of cars and a confusing road layout, which creates a really poor first impression and a very unfriendly welcome. It doesn’t do justice to this area at all.”
This is the keystone project of Rochdale’s rail strategy, which looks to maximise sites around the borough’s five stations, creating 7,000 homes and more than 1m sq ft of employment space. That masterplan was developed by Broadway Malyan and WSP.
Plans to build homes at the former Central Retail Park, close to the main station, are also being progressed. The council bought the site in 2018 and is working with Capital&Centric on a 200-home project.
Residential and offices will be developed in the station area. Credit: via Rochdale Council
Great that there are plans to improve the station arrival area which feels confusing and disconnected from the town. The rendering of Milkstone Road looks a bit optimistic – from article quotes it sounds like the council don’t have the will to install filters to reduce currently hostile levels of traffic on this road.
By W
How about using the money to clean the town up?, its filthy
By Jamie hardwick
Zero emissions electric Cars will be an important part of any future transportation hubs. There must be good unrestricted road access to adequate free parking with charge points close to the station for this to be a success.
By S
No mention of access for taxies in front of station area..
By Alan Parker