Millions approved for Rochdale community projects

Thursday, 29 January 2026 01:01

By David Murphy

A £3.5 million investment fund has been approved by Rochdale councillors to support neighbourhood initiatives across the borough.

The new Ward Capital Fund will allocate £175,000 to each of the borough’s 20 wards, with local councillors given full control over how the money is spent. The fund is earmarked for grassroots improvements including refurbished play areas, park upgrades, safer roads and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

Council leader Neil Emmott said the funding reflects a continued commitment to high-quality local services in Heywood, Middleton, Pennines and Rochdale.

“This is about getting the basics right and delivering the things that matter most to our residents,” he said. “The funding will go towards the parks, play facilities and road improvements that people use every day. Local councillors are best placed to decide how this money is spent in their communities.”

Cllr Emmott described the package as a ‘bread and butter investment’ that complements wider regeneration plans already underway in the borough. He added that further announcements about specific local projects would follow in the coming weeks.

The investment follows other recent funding pledges aimed at improving local infrastructure and services. These include the government’s commitment to tackle potholes and roadworks:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, as well as more targeted initiatives like the £1.31 million Start for Life funding for new parents and young children across the borough:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.