New public square for Townhead
A new public square with seating and trees will soon be
built in a historic part of Townhead.
Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council have secured Housing
Market Renewal funding to deliver the project.
The public square will be created in a gateway into the town centre and
will be surrounded by the listed St Mary’s Ukrainian Church and other
listed buildings at St James’s Place. Traffic works had been carried
out in the area to improve the flow of vehicles and improve pedestrian crossing,
however this left a pocket of unused land.
John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency said: “The
new public square is in an important location that joins Townhead with the
town centre and is a gateway to communities in East Central Rochdale that
are being regenerated through the Housing Market Renewal programme. The
work will create a safe area where people can relax and will help to uplift
the appearance of the area.”
Angela Forster, HMR Neighbourhood Programme Manager added: “The project
will transform this important gateway between the town centre, Yorkshire
Street and people’s homes. Housing Market Renewal is about more than
just improving the housing on offer. This work will provide safer and more
attractive access through the area, in the setting of some of Rochdale’s
historic buildings.”
Work is expected to start in February and will involve laying new natural
sandstone pavements, Yorkstone paving with benches, trees, litter bins and
street lighting. | 
