It’s been rumoured for quite some time, but it’s now understood that Amazon is set to be moving to a huge new warehouse space in Rochdale.
While both Rochdale Borough Council and Amazon has declined to comment on the move, according to a “well-placed source” close to the project who informed Local Democracy Reporting Service, the online retail giant will operate from a 206,000 sq ft unit at Kingsway Business Park in the heart of the Greater Manchester borough.
The new distribution centre – which is known as ‘Plot H’, or Kingsway 216 – is based off Junction 21 of the M62 near Milnrow, and was built five years ago as a “speculative development”.
It comes after planning permission was approved at the latest meeting of Rochdale Borough Council’s planning committee for an 11-acre site housing 665 delivery vans required to operate the warehouse at nearby ‘Plot J’, with each space fitted with electric vehicle charging points.
This approved development will also provide a “modest welfare building”, a guard hut, 8m high LED lighting columns, and acoustic fencing.
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The application for the development attracted a total of 32 public objections, with concerns ranging from harm to the appearance of the area, to the loss of space used by dog walkers, horse riders, and more.
Opposition to the scheme was said to be mainly centred on fears over noise and light pollution.
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The online retail giant could operate from a 206,000 sq ft unit at Kingsway Business Park / Credit: DLA Architecture
Strong representations were made when the proposal went before the council’s planning committee on 24 June, but a majority of councillors felt they could not turn down the chance to create hundreds of new jobs and boost the economy.
Councillor Phil Burke, who is vice-chairman of the committee, moved approval on the grounds sufficient mitigation measures had been put in place by the applicant.
Speaking outside of the meeting, he said: “As far as I was concerned, after addressing all the concerns from local residents and putting extra measures in place, I recommended approval as all the concerns had been addressed.
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“650 jobs is a much needed boost to the local economy.”
On opposition to the plans, he added: “While we fully understood the concern from local residents in relation to noise and light pollution, we understand from the developers that they have put the light level down to the lowest it could go to prevent any light escaping from the distribution park,”
The distribution centre was built five years ago as a “speculative development” / Credit: DLA Architecture
He continued: “In relation to the noise, there has now been sufficient tree and scrub planted around the site, with the additional fencing that has been put up which were included in the plans.
“The developer has a good track record with Rochdale Borough Council, having worked with council for over 25 years and I am sure they will be willing to work with local residents to deal with any concerns that may be caused in future.”
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UK News
‘He was a good boy’ – Family pay tribute to 14-year-old fatally stabbed in Manchester
The family of a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in north Manchester on Sunday have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their ‘funny, caring, and hardworking’ son.
The boy has now been named as Ibrahima Seck, who was found with stab wounds on Nevin Road in New Moston at around 5pm on Sunday, 8 June.
The teen was rushed to hospital with the assistance of emergency services and air ambulance staff, but later died in hospital.
Several arrests have now been made in connection with the murder of Ibrahima.
Paying tribute to Ibrahima, his family said: “Ibrahima was a well-liked young boy. He was funny, caring, and hardworking. He was our best friend, and he looked after me.
“He was so smiley and always made everybody laugh. He was a good boy.
“The killers have killed two people – me and my son. Why would anyone do this to him? He does nothing wrong. My family want justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “Firstly, the Force and I would like to pass on our condolences to Ibrahima’s loved ones and we will continue to support them at this sad time.
“This incident that has seen a young boy sadly die has understandably rocked the local community in New Moston.
“We have made significant headway in the investigation which has seen us arrest another suspect on suspicion of murder, that takes the arrest total up to five and we are continuing with questioning those suspects today.
“This is a live investigation and we are still looking for information, doorbell or dashcam footage, or eye-witness accounts from anyone who was in the area at the time quoting log 2250 of 08/06/2025.
“Information can be reported to us by calling 101 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“You can also use the reporting tools on our website – always call 999 in an emergency.”
Beloved Manchester-born and bred Gogglebox mainstays, the Malones, have announced the sad passing of another one of their family dogs, Bob.
The Rottweiler, who regularly appeared sitting on the sofa next to the ever-amusing Manc lineup.
As well as the Stretford-based Channel 4stars themselves, viewers up and down the country have been saddened by the news.
Grieving in her own post, mother Julie wrote, “We are heartbroken, RIP our beautiful Big Bob”, while youngest son Shaun shared a number of moving images of the precious pup, including a personal favourite clip from one of his cameos.
Writing in the caption, the 30-year-old said, “Today is the day we had to say goodbye to big Bob, absolute great dog like a big cuddly bear.”
Countless followers have since shared their condolences on social media, with several commenting, “run free over the rainbow”, while another user simply added, “Playing with Dave.”
For anyone not clued up on the show, Dave was another equally popular Rotweiller who unfortunately died back in 2023 at 12 and a half years old.
Even casual viewers will likely have seen the famous clip of him playfully mauling dad Tom Malone Sr. whilst wearing a dog mask. Speaking at the time, the family said: “There are no words to describe the pain we are feeling or how much we loved you, Dave.”
The Malones did adopt another dog named Tilly just three years ago, so there’ll still be a familiar and friendly Rottweiler face on your screens in future episodes of Gogglebox.
It’s never easy losing a pet, especially when it’s not your first.
Our thoughts are with the Malone family and, last but not least, rest in peace, Bob – we hope there are unlimited treats, walks and cuddles waiting for you.
The Manc -
30th June 2021 
