Agents briefed on development opportunities in Rochdale

Thirty regional agents made the most of a chance to learn more about new development opportunities in Rochdale at a breakfast briefing hosted by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA).

The event not only outlined changes that are taking place in the borough, but also demystified some of the new funding streams available to businesses.

The agents learned that over the next five years, significant private and public sector investment of more than £250m will revitalise Rochdale town centre and continue to develop out Kingsway Business Park, as well as other major investment projects. Work has already started on the Metrolink extension from Manchester city centre, while the new sixth form college in the town centre which opened in 2010 is the first new sixth form college to be opened in Britain since 2003.  The council is optimistic it will receive backing for a new transport interchange by the end of 2011.

John Hudson, Chief Executive of RDA commented, “Rochdale is a place undergoing a real transformation and it is important that our local and regional agents are kept up-to-date with developments in the town.

"It was also a good opportunity for us to pass on information on new funding streams that are becoming available, particularly the Regional Growth Fund and the Evergreen Fund for Greater Manchester, which will potentially help to attract investment into Rochdale.”