People of Rochdale and Oldham are set to benefit from a transformative programme of regeneration and growth in their communities with £40 million of government funding confirmed today
As part of the national Plan for Change to ensure people in every corner of the country benefit from the government’s ambitious growth agenda, Rochdale and Oldham local leaders have been working closely with the Department on the Community Regeneration Partnership programme to develop a bespoke package of funding that will kickstart a range of projects to boost their communities, tackle local issues and inequalities.
Greater Manchester will play its part in the government’s national mission to build 1.5 million homes with new developments planned to deliver affordable and social homes. In Oldham funding will help build up to 2,000 new homes across four sites, including the Prince’s Gate development site, and improve the town’s Private Rented Sector stock and quality.
In Rochdale, a former retail park will be transformed to create the Station Gateway development to deliver more than 200 homes and the council is committed to making the scheme fully net zero.
Funding will go to the cherished ‘One Oldham’ grant programme which expands Oldham’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector that enriches the lives of local people through upskilling and boosting employment opportunities. Millions will also be invested in sports education and facilities.
To boost the local economy, Oldham town centre’s retail offering will be maximised by supporting traders from Tommyfield Market to relocate into the Spindles shopping centre, development of an outdoor market in George Square and the redevelopment of vacant retail units.
In Rochdale, the Creates Space development will breathe new life into empty town centre units to create local craft workspaces, retail outlets, youth arts centre to help community engagement. And Hopwood Hall College Rochdale Campus will benefit from a much needed rebuild of one of the college’s buildings and creating an additional floor for Higher Education and Access Students.
Local Growth Minister, Alex Norris said:
“Growth is the government’s priority and we want every person and community across the country to be part of this. The regeneration and improvements coming to Oldham and Rochdale will really put Greater Manchester at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.
“With this £40 million package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach, this tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people’s pockets as promised in our Plan for Change.”
Leader of Oldham Council Councillor Arooj Shah said:
“This £20m of investment into Oldham really is a gamechanger. It will supercharge the ambitious regeneration plans that we have for the borough in a year that Oldhamers will finally see some of these bold ideas come to life.
“Oldham’s time is now, and this huge cash investment will help restore pride and hope to our borough.”
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to secure funding for these projects, which we’ve been working really hard to get delivered.
“Together, good quality new homes, fantastic educational opportunities and increased access to culture are the cornerstone of the high quality of life we are working so hard to deliver for each and every resident of our borough.”
