Plans to save Rochdale's landmark Seven Sisters from bulldozers have taken a step forward. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) announced its intention to demolish four of the seven towers on College Bank back in 2017.
The hugely controversial move was challenged by councillors, residents and campaigners, while many people left their homes on the estate amidst the threat of demolition. But under new leadership following the Awaab Ishak scandal, RBH now hopes to keep the tower blocks and renovate them, the Manchester Evening News revealed on Wednesday.
Following a consultation event with residents, RBH has now confirmed it is working with an affordable housing developer to retain and modernise the iconic towers. Legal and General Affordable Homes (LGAH) could help bring in funding for the project and take ownership of the blocks, while RBH would continue to run the estate, under current proposals.
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But, as both RBH interim chief executive Yvonne Arrowsmith and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham have suggested, the project still needs additional funding. In a series of tweets, an RBH spokesperson said: "We have been working in partnership with LGAH to explore alternative options for the blocks.
"One of the options we are looking at is to retain all seven blocks, which would be modernised and refurbished to provide high quality energy efficient homes. We wanted to explore if there was an opportunity to retain all seven blocks to provide a sustainable College Bank for the future.
"By working together with LGAH, we may be able to deliver a viable proposal that allows us to retain all seven blocks. We can’t access all the funding required to bring the blocks up to the required standard alone.
"LGAH will bring in funding and expertise to help with modernisation. Together we are also looking at other potential sources of funding. We are aware from surveys and resident feedback that a complete refurbishment is required both internally and externally. Any plans would be based on works being carried out to all seven blocks in a phased way.
"Some residents may need to move home whilst work is being carried out. If the proposals go ahead, the owner of the blocks would be LGAH. RBH would manage and maintain the blocks. Existing RBH tenants would retain the same tenancy conditions - including rent."
A final decision to save the College Bank towers and work with LGAH will be taken at an RBH board meeting in the coming months. Town hall figures are working with Whitehall and the mayor's office to explore funding opportunities to upgrade the blocks, the M.E.N. understands.
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Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester yesterday, Mr Burnham welcomed the positive steps towards keeping the Seven Sisters, but suggested it would take cash in the region of 'double figure millions'. He added: "Ever since I've been mayor, there's been that cloud hanging over the Seven Sisters.
"To have the [interim chief executive] say the right thing is to keep it, the campaigners will rightly feel delighted, they will feel vindicated, and I always had it in my heart that they were right."
