Stephanie Taylor, Project Manager

Posted on 22 Jul 2025

Stephanie joined the RDA two years ago and has quickly made her mark as a Project Manager, leading high-impact regeneration projects that are transforming Rochdale’s public spaces.                   

Tell me a bit about yourself
I’ve been with the RDA for two years now. Outside of work, I love being creative. Right now, I’m really into sewing, but I’ve always enjoyed drawing and anything artistic. Creativity has always been a big part of my life, and I try to keep it going as a way to unwind. I also love reading, photography, and getting out for walks, especially at the weekend.

This year, my goal is to explore the Lake District as much as possible. I’ve only been to two places so far, Buttermere and Grasmere, so I’m making an effort to see more. It’s only about an hour and ten minutes away, so there’s no excuse! Plus, I’ve just got a new car, so I’m looking forward to making the most of it.

Another big focus for me this year is DIY because I’m moving into my house in May. I’ll be in full-on ‘DIY Queen’ mode for the next year, figuring things out as I go. YouTube and TikTok will definitely be my best friends for learning new skills!

What is your role with the RDA?
I’m a Project Manager, which means I coordinate and deliver projects aimed at improving Rochdale. My role involves working with a wide range of people, from stakeholders and design teams to funders and contractors. I manage budgets, report back to funders, and make sure that the work is carried out efficiently and to a high standard.

Why did you choose to work with the RDA?
I actually started at the RDA as an Admin Assistant in the Town Hall Projects Office. From the beginning, I was encouraged to think bigger. Emma Birkett, and my colleagues who led the town hall refurbishment, asked me early on if I wanted to be a Project Manager, and I thought, “Yeah, that sounds great!” I was given opportunities to take on responsibility, like organising the decant of the Phase 3 area by myself, which helped me build my skills. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue a qualification in project management.

When my temporary contract was coming to an end, I was offered the role of Project Manager, and I gladly accepted! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my team, especially Emma Robinson and Emma Birkett, who have both been incredible mentors.

What projects do you work on?
My main project is Broadfield Park Slopes. It’s a really exciting project because it’s the final piece in the regeneration of the Town Hall Square area. The site was previously known for anti-social behaviour, but we’re transforming it into an incredible public park.

We’re making the area safer and more accessible, including making Packer Spout, a Grade II-listed feature that was the original water source for the town centre in 17 and 1800’s, fully accessible for the first time in over 100 years. We’re also creating an archaeological quarter and adding a new pond to boost biodiversity.

Alongside the physical improvements, we have a huge community engagement programme. We’re working with Broadfield Community Primary School on an integrated curriculum that ties into the project, and we’re collaborating with Matthew Moss High School on a programme called ‘Design, Engineer, Construct’ (DEC) which is run by A Class of Your Own. This initiative introduces students to careers in construction, architecture, and project management, and they’ll even get to run their own mini project.

We’re also working with Petrus, a local charity, to collect stories from people who remember the slopes as they used to be. These stories, along with media work from local college students, will form an exhibition at the Town Hall.

On top of that, we’ve got two new apprentices, one focusing on archaeology and another on community engagement. They’ll play a huge role in keeping the community involved even after the construction work is complete.

I also have some involvement in the final phases of the Town Hall project, which is nice because that’s where I started!

What do you really enjoy about your profession?
I love the variety of my work, no two days are the same. Every day brings new challenges and tasks, which keeps things interesting. I also really enjoy connecting with people. This job allows me to work with so many different groups, from schoolchildren to local stakeholders, and I love being able to bring people together.

Heritage is also a big passion of mine. I’ve been a National Trust member for years, and I’ve always loved historic buildings and architecture. Getting to work in one and help shape a heritage landscape that will be enjoyed for generations is a real privilege.

What makes you get up in the morning?
Knowing the positive impact these projects will have on Rochdale keeps me motivated. I’m excited to see these improvements come to life and to know that they’ll benefit the community for years to come. That end goal, creating something that makes a real difference, is what drives me.

Tell me something people don’t know about you
I have a scuba diving qualification! I’m fully PADI-certified, and I got my qualification in the Red Sea in Egypt. I even got stung by a jellyfish while I was there, not the best experience, but definitely a memorable one!

One of my dream destinations to dive is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I’ve never been, but it’s at the top of my bucket list. The only thing that worries me is that I might love it so much I won’t want to come back! That, and the spiders, spiders are my biggest phobia, and Australia has some seriously big ones. So for now, I think I’ll stick closer to home!