Improvements breathe new life into Rochdale sites

Improvements to the appearance of two run down sites in Rochdale have provided a major boost to businesses and helped stamp out anti-social behaviour.

The £145,000 improvements to land on Oldham Road, north of Durham Street, and a site by the canal opposite Norwich Mill has been led by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to support the regeneration of the local area.

The site at Oldham Road had become overgrown and untidy and was known to police following reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity such as drug-taking and alcohol abuse.

New paths, trees, and seating were installed at the canal-side site, whilst overgrown shrubs were removed from the Oldham Road area, and new fencing put up – making the two sites areas safer and more attractive.

John Droogan, who manages the Electric Centre based near the Oldham Road site, said the work had made a positive impact on local businesses.

“I’m made up with the work that has been done on the site,” he said. "It’s really improved the appearance of the area, and also made staff feel much safer.

“Our property backs on to Oldham Road and sometimes we were scared of using the rear entrance of the building. That has all changed now. It’s given the area a real boost and the number of people visiting the area has increased, which is great for business.”

Work on the two sites was part of the Brighter Future project, which is a long-term scheme designed to make the Rochdale area a better place to work and live.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, Cabinet Member for Development at Rochdale Borough Council said: “It is fantastic to see a project like this having such a positive impact on the local community. The site has been transformed into a safe and pleasant area that people can now enjoy.”

Gordon Beverley, from Rochdale Borough Council’s Environmental Management team, added: “This is a great example of partnership working in Rochdale. Problems of anti-social behaviour can be tackled by ‘designing-out’ problem areas such as this.

“Improving environmental quality has a positive impact on people’s quality of life, and is the first step in the regeneration of the whole borough.”

Gary Davies, Project Officer for Rochdale Development Agency, continued: “The project has been a huge success. Oldham Road is a main route into the town centre and we wanted to improve its appearance to enhance the setting of our future development sites.

“We have identified that there was a problem in the area and acted on behalf of the community to resolve it."

Greater Manchester Police said it was delighted with impact that the improvements to areas had made.

PCSO Martyn Beever from Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The site on Oldham Road had been subject to problems of anti-social behaviour and drunken nuisance for some time and was a real drain on police resources.

"The work that was carried out has really helped in renovating the area and making a real difference. This is an example of other agencies working successfully with the police and I hope to see it continue.”

The project was joint funded by the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder and the European Regional Development Fund, with the work carried out by Middleton-based Groundwork Landscapes.

Liz Meek, ERDF PMC Chair, said: “It's wonderful to see the difference that can be made simply by taking pride in our public areas. This is an excellent example of how regeneration can inspire confidence and make a positive economic impact.”