The plan to transform Rochdale town centre, including revealing its stunning medieval bridge has won an award at the United Kingdom and Ireland’s most prestigious planning awards held in London last night.
Rochdale Borough Council’s Revealing the Roch town centre plan won the Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment category in the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2016. It was also nominated in the Excellence in Planning for Heritage category.
The project has restored the bridge by repairing damaged stonework and rebuilding the section that was removed when the culvert was built. This will decrease the risk of flooding and the extent of flooding if it should occur. It will also create an environment for aquatic species to flourish.
Council Leader, Richard Farnell, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this fantastic project, which is part of a £250m transformation of Rochdale town centre, has been honoured by an organisation as influential and prestigious as the Royal Town Planning Institute, which is known around the world.
“As well as winning in this important category, we were also shortlisted in the heritage category. This result is an indication of what a special project the river reopening is and of Rochdale’s ambition to be the best borough in Greater Manchester.”
Katie Wray, Chair of RTPI North West said:
“It is fantastic that planning in England’s North West has received national recognition through this award. Planners across the region are working hard, every day to deliver great places for people to work and live.”
Roisin Willmott, RTPI Awards Advisor said:
“All the elements of this project, from uncovering a lost river and reducing flood risks, to enhancing biodiversity and creating an attractive public space in the town centre, have truly captured the public’s imagination. It is set to benefit the citizens of Rochdale for years to come, thanks to inclusive planning that got everyone on board. The project also has replicable lessons in flood risk management and urban design that could be applied to the re-engineering of other rivers.”
