Old flag pole manufacturer to make way for new affordable homes

Friday, 29 August 2025 08:01

By George Lythgoe

CGI of the new affordable housing development on the old Phoenix Works site in Middleton

A new affordable housing development will be built on the site of a derelict flag pole manufacturer in Middleton.

The old Phoenix Works will be replaced by 20 new affordable homes – housing at a discounted price from usual market rates. The current building will need to be demolished to unlock the site, which has fallen into disrepair and been subjected to vandalism and deterioration.

The Brookes Street site manufactured fibreglass flag poles between 1989 and 2018, but it has since been left vacant.

A mix of two and three-bedroom homes would be created amongst the surrounding residential community. Developers Kwik Build Limited chose the location based on its proximity to local shops, pubs and restaurants, according to planning papers.

Off-street parking, private gardens and landscaping are all touted for the development of ‘high standard’ semi-detached homes.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) were originally picked to manage the affordable homes, but another registered housing provider has since been chosen.

Planning papers read: “The 20 residential units will include private parking and private amenity space, will be designed to complement the surrounding area and produce a distinctive scheme.

“During the design, large separation distances and mature planting are included along the boundaries.

“Throughout the proposal; the appearance, scale and density have all been carefully considered.

“This has led to a scheme which is in keeping with the local vernacular and responds sympathetically with the urban grain, scale and density of the area.”

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