Demolition of six apartment blocks confirmed

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 12:08

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

Six apartment blocks in Rochdale will be demolished after sitting empty for years.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wants to regenerate the Lower Falinge estate and has determined bulldozing the blocks is the only affordable option. Now plans for demolition of the Lower Falinge estate, named the most deprived area in England for the fifth successive year back in 2013, have been approved.

The maisonette blocks destined for the wrecking ball include Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, and Vaynor.

Not all the 1970’s style apartment blocks will be levelled as some still have residents living there. One example is the Zedburgh block, where Andy Roche and his partner are the only ones left.

Andy has lived on the estate since 1988 and has no intention of going anywhere. His presence there is the only reason Zedburgh isn’t among the six blocks set to be knocked down.

Millions of pounds has already been invested into newer housing in the area, with new housing blocks already built in the estate – creating a bizarre mix of old and new housing. RBH says it intends to continue on that path of regeneration once the six blocks are gone.

The site off Spotland Road would be left as vacant grassland until RBH makes a decision on the next stages of their redevelopment plans.

In a letter sent to residents back in March, RBH said: “We aim to complete the demolition of the six empty blocks and the commercial buildings within the next 12 months and will be seeking planning permission in the coming weeks.

“We plan to carry out preparation work soon, so you will see some increased activity around the blocks.

“Once we have appointed a contractor, we will provide another update which will give you more specific timescales for this work.

“After demolition, these sites will be temporarily grassed while we work with the community and our partners to consider the next projects in the regeneration.

“We have some more work to do before we can share the next stage, and we will make sure that we let you know as soon as we can about how you can get involved in the design of these projects.

“The things you told us in December have been helpful, including your preference for more housing in the area, making Lower Falinge a safer place to live and more community projects.

“We look forward to working with you in the coming years to design and deliver these projects.”

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