Plans to transform the area around the River Roch in the centre of Rochdale have taken a step forward after the winner of a RIBA competition to transform Rochdale town centre, has been announced.
The competition was launched to improve the look of the town centre and better connect the two sides of the River Roch, following plans to reopen it.The winning entry from architects BDP features glass viewing platforms to allow visitors to see the exposed bridges in more detail as well as extensive greenery around the site.
Commenting on the plan, Alan Davies, architect director, said:
The town’s centre has great character which our designs aim to enhance. The plan also sets out to create a high quality environment which is responsive to both the wealth of historic buildings and the town’s medieval bridge, which will be uncovered and repaired as part of the river’s reopening. Also integral to our design concept is the interpretation of Rochdale’s rich history as a centre of textile manufacture, radical politics and the co-operative movement.”
Whilst Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert, said:
This is an incredibly exciting project and a critical part of our regeneration plans. Along with our £100m development agreement, it will move us closer to the fantastic town centre our residents and visitors deserve.”
The main focus of the competition was on the public realm and ginnels around the revealed River Roch as well as the historic bridge in the Butts. Rochdale council planned to reveal the Roch by opening sections of the river through The Butts and restoring the medieval bridge to transform the centre of Rochdale. The ‘discovery’ of the medieval bridge, unknowingly crossed by thousands of people every day is meant to instil a sense of pride, hope and identify for the town.
BDP will now work the design up in more detail before resubmitting it to the council. The second stage bid for Heritage Lottery money to reopen the river will be submitted in February with the council expecting the results in the summer.
