Delivering Growth – Rochdale

Rochdale, a historic town in Greater Manchester, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at revitalising its urban landscape and boosting its economic prospects. With a rich industrial heritage, Rochdale is embracing modern development initiatives that focus on sustainability, innovation, and community enhancement.

Key projects like the Rochdale Rail Corridor and Atom Valley are poised to bring thousands of new homes, jobs, and green technologies, positioning the town as a key player in the region's growth. These initiatives, combined with public space improvements such as the Heywood Civic Square, reflect Rochdale's commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future for its residents.

Rochdale Rail Corridor

The Rochdale Rail Corridor is an ambitious initiative designed to revitalise neighbourhoods around Rochdale's five railway stations by integrating housing, workspace, and transport infrastructure. This transformative scheme focuses on sustainability, economic development, and enhancing quality of life.

The project plans to deliver approximately 7,000 homes and 2.5 million square feet of employment space along the Calder Valley rail corridor. Key developments include 1,500 new homes near both Rochdale and Castleton stations, each accommodating around 3,500 residents. The Rochdale station area will also see the addition of 43,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 26,000 square feet of office space, and a new public square, creating a vibrant urban hub. Connectivity will be further improved by extending the Manchester Metrolink to Bury and Heywood via Castleton and developing an £11 million cycle corridor linking Castleton to Rochdale.

The Station Gateway project aims to reimagine Rochdale station as a welcoming entry point with a new platform park, pedestrian square, and improved transport interchange. Plans for a potential sixth station at Slattocks in Middleton will further extend the corridor’s impact.

Energy-efficient housing, a Net Zero Carbon apartment building, and community-focused spaces at the former Central Retail Park are also integral, supporting Rochdale’s growth as a sustainable and thriving borough.

Atom Valley

Atom Valley is a transformative development in Rochdale, designed to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across Greater Manchester. It forms part of the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, which focuses on advancing manufacturing, green technologies, and digital industries. The zone is strategically located to deliver high-value jobs and sustainable housing while fostering inclusive growth. When complete, it will be Greater Manchester's biggest employment development and is expected to boost the local economy by £570m.

The Mayoral Development Zone comprises three key locations, Kingsway Business Park, Northern Gateway, and Stakehill Industrial Estate. Kingsway Business Park, already an established hub in Rochdale, is set for further expansion, offering a mix of high-quality employment space and excellent transport links, including access to the M62 motorway and regional rail services. The Northern Gateway, positioned between Rochdale and Bury, is a significant site for advanced manufacturing and green technology, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs. Stakehill Industrial Estate, a key logistics and industrial hub, will undergo modernisation to attract innovative businesses and increase productivity.

Rochdale Council have approved plans to build a 42,700 sq ft sustainable materials and manufacturing centre as part of ongoing development across three Greater Manchester boroughs. The local authority is working alongside Wilson Bowden Developments and DLA Architecture on the project.

Atom Valley’s emphasis on clean energy and sustainable practices underpins its role as a leader in environmentally conscious development. By combining world-class infrastructure, strategic investment, and cutting-edge industries, Atom Valley is set to position Rochdale as a vital contributor to Greater Manchester's future economic success.

Heywood Peine Square and Civic Centre

Rochdale Council has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Heywood’s Peine Square into a vibrant public space, designed to foster community engagement. The redevelopment will introduce new green areas, seating, and event spaces, creating a dynamic environment for residents. The wider investment also includes significant upgrades to Heywood Civic Centre, which began in late 2024 and is expected to be completed by autumn 2025.

The multi-million-pound scheme aims to modernise and extend the civic centre, a venue that has hosted events in the heart of Heywood for decades. Proposed improvements include building improvements, a new café and bar area, and enhanced lighting and sound in the performance space. The installation of retractable seating in the auditorium will allow for flexible use, while accessible lifts and toilets ensure inclusivity. Alongside these changes, plans for Peine Square include green spaces, diverse seating, and performance areas, further enhancing the area as a community hub.

Middleton Regeneration

Middleton is undergoing significant regeneration of its urban landscape. A key project involves the transformation of the Grade II-listed Warwick Mill into nearly 300 apartments, complemented by commercial spaces, a restaurant, and a rooftop garden. Adjacent to this, the demolition of the 1960s office block, London House, will make way for a new 10-storey building named The Loom, featuring 146 apartments, retail spaces—including a supermarket—and a rooftop garden.

In addition to these projects, Middleton has adopted an ambitious town centre masterplan focusing on creating a public square with café seating, enhancing walking and cycling links, and regenerating brownfield sites like Warwick Mill. This in turn will bring infrastructure works to roads and pavements and the pedestrianisation of Market Place.

Rochdale Town Hall

The iconic Rochdale Town Hall reopened in 2024 after being closed for four years, after the first phase of its regeneration was complete. The Grade I listed building, which has stood in the heart of the town since 1871, welcomed thousands of visitors eager to witness the stunning £20m refurbishment. Local volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to bring this historic structure back into use.

Many of the Town Hall's famous features, such as the decorative ceiling panels, angels in the Great Hall, the Magna Carta mural, and the stained glass, have been carefully restored and cleaned. The final phase of the project, set to be completed in 2025, will focus on the western wing of the building. Once the final phase is complete, the council will return to its chamber after years of it being out of action, marking a significant milestone in the building's restoration.

Broadfield Slopes

The historic Broadfield Slopes in the heart of Rochdale are set for a major transformation following the approval of £1.6m in plans for July. This site, which is part of the Grade-II listed park behind the town hall, has long been considered a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and safety concerns. The regeneration will centre around a new event platform with seating, providing a community space for local events.

Alongside the platform, new footways lined with trees and planters will enhance the area, leading to the historic Packer Spout feature. The existing pool will be expanded into an ecological pond, offering a resource for local schools and the community to engage in environmental education.

The project also includes improved lighting and an expanded CCTV network, aiming to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, making the Broadfield Slopes a safer, more vibrant space for residents and visitors alike.

As Rochdale continues to evolve into a dynamic hub of innovation and sustainability, the upcoming MIPIM 2025 provides an excellent opportunity to explore these exciting developments in more detail. The team at Rochdale Council will be on hand to discuss these projects and how they’re shaping the future of the borough.