Rochdale greenlights Station Square
A series of public realm improvements form the core of the project, which aims to enhance the gateway into the town.
Rochdale Council approved the Station Square scheme last week under delegated powers. Rochdale Development Agency is leading the delivery of the project on the council’s behalf.
Designed by Broadway Malyan, Station Square revolves around more than three acres at the front entrance of Rochdale Station. The scheme involves bringing in rain gardens for sustainable drainage, improving pedestrian access, and installing custom street furniture.
The streets around Station Square will become pedestrian-prioritised routes and include low kerbs and narrower carriageways. There will also be a taxi rank introduced and a bus stop.
A community garden outside Nye Bevin House will be created, and the square itself will become a flexible events space. There will also be a considerable amount of public art to enhance the experience.
“I’m thrilled to see our proposals for this key urban space move towards delivery,” said Danny Crump, director of urbanism at Broadway Malyan.
“The square is primarily designed for local residents,” he continued. “It is a place to come together as a community and to be proud of.”
Crump went on to describe his team’s goal for Station Square.
“Our vision for the square has been to create a distinct and appealing community environment that provides a modern identity and exceptional gateway experience,” he said. “But beyond a high-quality public realm, the square will act as a catalyst for prosperity within the Station and Milkstone neighbourhoods.”
Nexus is the planning consultant for Station Square, while Arcadis is the project manager. WSP is the engineer.
You can find out more about Station Square by searching application reference number 22/01551/FUL on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
Station Square is one element of Rochdale Council’s broader Rochdale Rail Corridor Strategy, which looks to revitalise the areas around the five train stations in the borough.
The Rochdale Station element is more than just Station Square – future plans include up to 1,700 homes, more than 40,000 sq ft of commercial space, and around 25,000 sq ft of retail.
Hear direct from Rochdale Development Agency about its ambitious regeneration plans. Book your Greater Manchester Development Update ticket.
I really hope that this scheme happens. The station needs to be better connected to the town centre and the commercial and residential opportunity is significant. It already has the building blocks of a special space with the historic assets and cultural offer, but this would raise it several levels.
By Nick Barton
I agree with Nick!
By Anonymous
Rochdale has some of the best civic architecture in the country. I hope that with careful planning, schemes like this can boost the place,further.
By Elephant
looks good
By Levelling Up Manager
I totally agree that this scheme will improve the area around the station. I hope that adequate parking is also include as I requested during the consultation. Rochdale’s one and only Theatre which has been there for nearly 100 years is affected by this development and requires local car parking facilities. If we don’t have this the Theatre will die. I was assured that in the scheme will be a multi storey car park. I hope this is honoured. The ring &ride associated at rear of station is too far away for our customers.
By Mal Fidlet
Unbelievable words cannot describe the feelings of true Rochdalians. It’s all about them.
By Anonymous
Did I miss the point when ‘greenlight’ became a verb?
By SuperPlanner
Yes, you did. – J
By Julia Hatmaker
I hereby greenlight “greenlight” as a verb.
Commissar for ‘Proper’ English
By Anonymous