Ask Developments, Valad and Wilson Bowden Developments have revealed their visions for the £100m redevelopment of Rochdale town centre, Greater Manchester. The developers were shortlisted by Rochdale council in October.
The proposals, l-r: Ask, in a jv with Sultan Properties, which owns the existing town-centre shopping mall, is proposing a 500,000 sq ft scheme, anchored by Debenhams, 250,000 sq ft of offices, a hotel and 320 flats Australian property group Valad aims to transform the town centre into a leisure quarter that will be anchored by a multi-screen cinema, and will provide a gym and a mix of other uses while Wilson Bowden plans a retail-led development – also to be anchored by Debenhams – with a large supermarket and 282 flats.
All three proposals involve the demolition of ageing buildings around Smith Street, including the 1960s bus station and the municipal building. Liverpool developer Neptune, with Carol Ainscow’s Artisan, had originally been shortlisted, but pulled out to “concentrate on other commitments”. A preferred developer will be selected next spring, with work starting on site in 2009.
DTZ is advising the council.
