Heywood’s £20 million transformation begins with major public square revamp

Monday, 22 September 2025 14:15

By David Murphy

Councillor Danny Meredith (cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Rochdale Borough Council)

A long-awaited makeover of Peine Square has officially begun, marking the first step in a decade-long regeneration programme backed by £20 million of government funding for Heywood.

The central square in Heywood town centre is being overhauled with new green spaces, tiered seating, modern lighting, and informal play areas, as part of a broader vision to revitalise the area and attract more visitors.

Delivered by Conlon Construction on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency, the scheme will include a mini stage, exhibition areas, and power supply to host events and performances. The upgrade will run alongside the refurbishment of the adjacent Heywood Civic Centre.

“This is a fantastic project to kickstart the delivery of this £20 million investment programme,” said Brian Davies, Chair of the Heywood Town Board. “We know from consultations with residents that making the area more attractive is a top priority. This project very much fits the bill.”

The Peine Square project is the first to receive funds from the government’s 'Plan for Neighbourhoods' pot. Heywood’s Town Board, which includes community leaders, local councillors and Heywood and Middleton MP Elsie Blundell, will oversee how the rest of the funding is used.

Cllr Angela Brown, Chair of the Heywood Township, said the revamp will “change the face of this important part of Heywood” and enhance the entrance to the newly renovated civic centre, a cultural venue currently undergoing its own transformation, funded in part by the Arts Council.

Conlon Construction is also leading that rebuild. Commercial Director Darren Lee described the combined projects as “a privilege,” noting the development would also support local employment, training and biodiversity through landscaping and tree planting.

The Queen’s Park Bridge restoration is already complete, and improvements to roads and pavements across the town centre are planned in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

Public engagement sessions held this summer helped shape the plans, with a final detailed investment proposal set to be submitted to government before the end of the year. The current phase of works is expected to be completed by winter.