A former probation centre on Drake Street could be converted into 14 residential flats under new proposals submitted to Rochdale Council.
The building at 193-195 Drake Street, which has stood vacant since the Probation Service relocated nearly four years ago, was sold at auction in February 2023 for £450,000. Since then, two redevelopment attempts have been considered.
An initial proposal to turn the mid-terrace office block into a primary school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs was withdrawn in September 2023.
The latest application, lodged by Athar Mahmood of Roche Property Group Ltd, sets out plans to transform the property into a mix of one- and two-person flats across four floors, including the lower ground level. Eight on-site parking spaces are proposed to the rear of the building, accessible via Norfolk Street.
Planning documents submitted with the application describe the proposal as a “sustainable re-use” of the Victorian structure. The flats would be spread over all four levels, with two on the lower ground floor and four each on the ground, first and second floors. The layout will include refuse storage and incorporate access points from both Drake Street and Norfolk Street.
No major changes are proposed to the building’s exterior, which will retain its current appearance and character.
The application highlights the site’s sustainable location near public transport, including bus routes and Rochdale railway station, and draws comparisons to existing residential approvals nearby, including at 1 Drake Street.
According to the submission, the scheme aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework by contributing to local housing supply and making efficient use of an existing urban site. The proposal also seeks to minimise pressure on on-street parking and ensure convenient waste management.
If approved, the development would provide 14 self-contained homes in a central Rochdale location, reflecting a wider trend of converting underused office buildings into housing.
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