Developer releases new images of 200-home ‘thriving community’ it plans for retail park site

A leading developer has released new images of the 200-home ‘thriving community’ it is planning for a former retail park site.

The artist’s impressions give a further glimpse of how vacant land at Central Retail Park, close to Rochdale train station, could be transformed.

It comes as ‘regeneration specialist’ Capital and Centric launches a public consultation on its Neighbourhood Rochdale scheme.

As well as a mix of housing types – from one-bedroom apartments to large family homes – a food hall, outdoor pavillion, and cafe-bar are also being mooted for the development.

The first big project to be brought forward under the council’s ‘rail corridor’ masterplan, it would be built on land that was previously home to Wynsors, Focus and MFI.

It is also the first site designed around Capital and Centric’s ‘Neighbourhood’ housing concept, which aims  to ‘breathe life back into town centres’ with ‘stunning homes’ and ‘beautiful architecture’.

The firm describes the homes as ‘super sustainable and energy efficient’, while future residents are promised ‘plenty of outdoor space’ including a linear park, kids play facilities and barbecue areas.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital and Centric, says the scheme ‘goes beyond just building new homes’.

“It’s about rebooting the town centre and creating a proper community where you can get to know your neighbours and make new friends,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve included tons of shared spaces, which could be used for everything from yoga classes to kids’ parties or even a cinema night, and meeting pods for people working from home.

“And there’s also the food hall and outdoor events pavilion to bring in people from the wider community.”

He added: “As you’d expect from us, it’s going to be very green, with beautiful terraces for all the houses and lots of landscaped spaces and lush lawns.

"We’ve got loads of ideas but want to know what local people think so give us a shout.”

The council bought the Central Retail Park site for £13.2m in 2018.

The development is set to play a key role in its rail corridor strategy,  which aims to build 7,000 homes around the borough’s five train stations.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and communications at Rochdale, has called on residents to have their say in the consultation.

He said: “Neighbourhood Rochdale is part of the wider £400 million regeneration of Rochdale town centre and also forms part of our rail strategy, which will see us transform major brownfield sites around our five railway stations.

“I’d urge locals to get involved in this consultation, so they can help to shape what I’m sure will be a thriving new town centre community.”

To take part in the consultation, residents can: 

Complete a tear off freepost questionnaire included with a  newsletter  sent to more than  5,000 households and businesses in the area.

Complete the questionnaire online at www.rochdaleneighbourhood.com

Join a live online Q&A on Wednesday, May 26 at 6pm. Sign up via the website.

Email info@rochdaleneighbourhood.com

Ask any questions by calling 0800 689 1095

Write to Freepost HAVE YOUR SAY

Follow @CapitalCentric on social media.

Feedback will be used to help shape the plans and it is expected that a planning application will be submitted to Rochdale council in the summer.

The consultation closes on Friday, June 4.

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