A public consultation has been launched on plans to transform the former Central Retail Park into a thriving new town centre community – which is set to feature a mix of 200 houses and apartments (ranging from one to five-beds).
Local residents are now being encouraged to give their thoughts on Neighbourhood Rochdale ahead of the brownfield site’s renovation.
Designed to breathe life back into the area, Neighbourhood Rochdale will feature “stunning, design-led homes with beautiful architecture”, including modern, open plan layouts and energy efficient tech (plus electric vehicle charging).
The site will also include a food hall, general store, café-bar and flexible communal space, along with plenty of outdoor spaces for residents and the wider community to enjoy.
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The Rochdale plans also include a public linear park, with circuit training equipment, self-timed sprint track, kids’ play area, an outdoor pavilion for events and BBQ areas.
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric said: “Neighbourhood Rochdale goes beyond just building new homes, it’s about rebooting the town centre and creating a proper community where you can get to know your neighbours and make new friends.
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“That’s why we’ve included tons of shared spaces, which could be used for everything from yoga classes to kids’ parties or even a cinema night, and meeting pods for people working from home, and there’s also the food hall and outdoor events pavilion to bring in people from the wider community.
“As you’d expect from us, it’s going to be very green, with beautiful terraces for all the houses and lots of landscaped spaces and lush lawns.
“We’ve got loads of ideas but want to know what local people think so give us a shout”.
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Located just a short walk from both the Metrolink and train station – which offer an easy commute into Manchester city centre and access to the Peak District by public transport – the Central Retail Park site has been vacant for nearly a decade.
These new plans are part of the £400 million regeneration of Rochdale town centre and the council’s rail strategy, which will “level up the town centre” with 7,000 homes around the borough’s five railway stations.
Councillor John Blundell – Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications at Rochdale Borough Council – added: “I’d urge locals to get involved in this consultation, so they can help to shape what I’m sure will be a thriving new town centre community.”
Keen to have your say?
With a public consultation that closes on Friday 4 June, there are lots of ways that people can join the conversation and all feedback will be used to help shape the plans.
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A newsletter has been sent to over 5,000 households and businesses in the area with a tear-off freepost questionnaire (whcih can also be completed online here).
Residents can also join a live online Q&A with the team on Wednesday 26 May at 6pm, with sign-up via the website.
You can also ask any questions by calling 0800 689 1095 or emailing info@rochdaleneighbourhood.com.
It is expected that a planning application will be submitted to Rochdale Borough Council in the summer.
Featured Image – Capital & Centric
Rochdale
How and where to recycle your Christmas tree in Greater Manchester 2024
There comes a point in time where you’re all ‘spruced’ out and it’s time for a home interior refresh, so here’s all the ways you can recycle your Christmas tree in Greater Manchester.
Christmas has been and gone, but there’s no party blues yet, as the new year is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
After taking down all those decorations from your tree, you may be stumped on what to do with it next, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
They say you learn something new every day, so if the ‘Twixmas’ period is when you like to take down your Christmas decs and start anew, then let us tell you about all of the different ways to dispose of your once-decorated greenery.
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Recycle your real Christmas tree in food and garden bin
You can pop your real Christmas tree into your food waste / garden bin, as long as its chopped and trimmed, with the trunk needing to be thinner than your wrist – but only if it isn’t possible take it to a Christmas tree recycling point instead.
Or you could continue the Christmas spirit by replanting your tree into your garden and keep it as a reminder of the fun of the festive season all year long.
Additionally, you can try returning your tree to the retailer or vendor you bought it from, whether that’s a shop or garden centre, but just make sure you check you can do this beforehand.
Take it to your local tip
Christmas trees are accepted at all 20 recycling centres within Greater Manchester for free.
How ever you choose to give your tree the big send-off, make sure to apply for a specific vehicle permit if you’re giving your tree a more spacious mode of transport – such as a van, pick-up truck or a twin-axle trailer.
You can also drop off any unwanted ornaments here too, including that one that’s progressively been making its way to the back of the tree each year (we’ve all got one).
Artificial trees will be welcomed at all these locations too, so all that’s left to do is find your nearest recycling centre here.
You can find more information and register your tree here.
Donate to charity
Local charity, Just Helping, is providing collection services in some of the key Greater Manchester areas.
Everyone at this charity – which launched in 2012, and operates 106 collection areas nationwide – is not only helping to raise money for other Greater Manchester charities, but they’re also eco warriors too, as recycling Christmas trees prevents 82,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Anyone thinking of utilising these services can do so here.
If you’re still struggling on what to do with your Christmas tree, you can find more tips and advice on your local Council’s website with a link to each borough’s Council here.
One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.
As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.
Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.
But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.
We’re supporting local treasures across the UK with vital funding
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) December 23, 2024
Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.
While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.
Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.
“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”
Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.