Moves to support Whitefield town centre

Thursday, 16 March 2023 15:45

By David Murphy

Plans to improve the town centre of Whitefield have taken another step forward as part of moves to ensure that all parts of the borough are regenerated.

The council has appointed architectural company Planit-IE to oversee the production of a town centre plan, identifying key issues and opportunities in Whitefield.

The town is to receive support from the High Street Task Force, a national organisation supporting local authorities to bring about long-term change to towns and cities. Planit-IE will carry out consultation with the local community in the coming few weeks before the Task Force visits in June.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “We are determined to ensure that every part of our borough is well prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

“We are already well on with plans for Bury, Ramsbottom, Radcliffe and Prestwich, so it is important that the other centres in our borough receive the support necessary to enable them to fulfil their own potential.

“This is not just about making physical changes to the high street and wider town, though. Whitefield includes significant areas of deprivation, where many people are struggling even more now with the cost-of-living crisis. As deprivation and inequality were key factors in our borough being selected by the Task Force, this could give us the opportunity to tackle a wide range of issues and lift the whole town and community.

“We want all residents across Whitefield and Unsworth to be part of this process.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Two men arrested and 300 cannabis plants seized after early morning raids in Rochdale

Over 300 cannabis plants have been taken off the streets of Rochdale after neighbourhood officers raided two illegal growing operations in partnership with the local council.
Bury teacher banned for life after engaging in sexual activity with child

A former teacher at Tottington High School has been permanently banned from the classroom after a professional misconduct panel found he engaged in sexual activity with a pupil.
GMP’s ‘headset heroes’ answer over a million calls in a year as response times reach record highs

Greater Manchester Police’s control room teams are being recognised for their vital role in emergency response as part of International Control Room Week.
Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.