Rochdale council is forging ahead with ambitious plans to develop the area around the town’s railway station despite losing out on £20m in ‘Levelling Up’ cash. The authority has confirmed it has submitted a planning application for the multi-million pound scheme - including images of a new public square that will form its centrepiece.
The area, which is a key gateway into the borough, will also benefit from new signage intended to better connect people to the town centre and wider area. Street art and enhanced lighting is also proposed.
Improved walking and cycling routes would form part of a regenerated Milkstone and Deeplish, where an active travel trial recently got underway in the area. Coun John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, says Station Square is ‘a really important part of the borough and the first place many of our visitors see when they arrive’.
