New chapter as Million Pavilion officially opens

Thursday, 2 March 2023 09:35

By David Murphy

A £600,000 extension to Balderstone Library that will provide vibrant new facilities for the local community has officially opened.

Rochdale Borough Council’s Million Pavilion was officially opened by Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed, at an event attended by local councillors, residents and community groups.

The facility will provide a new space for local organisations and community groups, a cafe, and changing facilities for sports clubs.

Local group Kirkholt Million will be the first organisation to occupy the new building, which is located at Balderstone Park, off Platting Lane.

The cash injection was secured through section 106 planning money, taken from local developments on Ginnell Farm, Dean Farm and the former Balderstone School.

Balderstone and Kirkholt ward councillors, working closely with Kirkholt Million, led the way in securing the cash injection after consulting with the local community on their priorities for the project.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “We are transforming the borough through visionary regeneration schemes like Million Pavilion at Balderstone Library. I know how much time, effort and commitment the local community put into delivering this project. This is a superb space that will benefit Balderstone and Kirkholt residents for years to come, spanning the generations and providing high quality value for money services for all ages to enjoy and utilise.”

Linda Mills, chair of Kirkholt Million, said: “This is another exciting step forward in our ambitious plans for the community. We are seeing our vision coming into place and the library extension is another exciting step forward and, with more facilities to follow, there really are a million reasons to celebrate this success story.”