Rochdale’s train station has a history spanning across three Centuries, and now new plans could see it brought up to date.
Rochdale’s train station has a history spanning across three Centuries, and now new plans could see it brought up to date.
Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) wants to transform the entrance of the station, which is a major gateway into town centre. Proposals would see a new 25m long canopy created with a green roof covered with vegetation alongside new planters, seating and bike racks.
Plans, which have now officially been lodged with the council, also support a project to improve an underpass which is likely to be delivered in the future.
Currently, documents describe the station as ‘dated’, detailing issues with its location.
Rochdale has railway history dating back to 1839 when the first station was built. It was part of the original mainline connecting Manchester and Leeds.
The current station is the second railway station, opened in 1889 to better cope with passengers and freight demand.
Planning papers read: “Situated within a major infrastructure junction point, the north entrance to the railway station serves as a crucial gateway for commuters and visitors alike.
“The existing site plan highlights the station’s proximity to key amenities, such as bus and Metrolink tram routes which enhance the accessibility of the station.
“The railway station’s north entrance history reveals a blend of historical significance and contemporary functionality. However, challenges such as dated aesthetics and issues with signage and way-finding are identified.”
This forms part of a wider multi-million-pound regeneration in the area. The massive scheme includes a new station square and new homes at the former central retail park site as well as apartments on the corner of Station Road and Maclure Road.
Coun Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said previously: “These proposals will create a real sense of arrival for the many thousands of visitors who travel through this station each and every year.
“It’s a major gateway in and out of the borough and these plans will ensure that its appearance reflects that, as well as introducing green features which will boost biodiversity.
“Even more importantly, these improvements are part of a much bigger plan to substantially improve this whole area with new, high-quality homes, including social homes, on brownfield sites and a new public square as part of our wider rail strategy to create new homes and commercial and leisure spaces around our key transport hubs.”
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