Town Centre News

Strong case for Rochdale Interchange put to Transport Minister

Posted on 21/07/2010

Party leaders, the local MP and the RDA Chief Executive met the Transport Minister Norman Baker in London last week to push forward plans for the proposed new £10 million Rochdale Transport Interchange. Approval has been delayed until the autumn in a government review of all significant spending decisions.

MP Simon Danczuk, Council Leader Irene Davidson, Deputy Leader Ashley Dearnley and John Hudson, Chief Executive of the Rochdale Development Agency outlined the benefits of the proposal in briefings held last week.

The Rochdale Transport Interchange, which will create a new modern public transport hub in the town centre has been identified as a priority for investment. Its creation is seen as essential to enable the regeneration of the town centre, which will see the existing bus station and multi storey car park being demolished.

“In addition to the many benefits the transport interchange will bring, its construction is a key piece of the jigsaw to help us improve the retail and leisure offer in the town, integrating a new town centre with a modern joined up transport infrastructure. The replacement of the existing dilapidated bus station is long overdue,” said Council Leader Irene Davidson.

The proposed new transport interchange will connect the bus network with the new Metrolink and Rochdale Railway Station, as well as taxis, in a more modern visitor friendly environment.

A government focus on projects that deliver low carbon objectives along with significant jobs and economic benefits could be good news for Rochdale’s scheme which is ‘well placed to fulfil all these objectives’ added Councillor Davidson: “The Minister was supportive of our plans, although we await the results of the comprehensive spending review. However this project has already shown on a number of occasions how important it is both for Rochdale and Greater Manchester.”

With strong green credentials, the new interchange will encourage bus usage by providing modern, safe and attractive facilities with new passenger friendly features such as electronic passenger information, new travel shop and coffee shop, and full disabled access. It would be an environmentally friendly and sustainable development with a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting, hydro power and transparent roof materials.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley said the project represents very good value for money and is keen to see it proceed without any further delays: “Significant investment has already gone into the preparation of the site, planning approval is granted and design work is completed. This project can happen relatively quickly if government approval is given and GMPTE already has experience of delivering high quality transport infrastructure projects like this.”

Councillor Colin Lambert said: “My party fully supports the interchange proposals and will do all it can to ensure this important facility comes to Rochdale. We supported this project under the previous Labour government and we hope the new coalition will give it the same priority.”

The Government is looking to make £1.6 billion cuts in the transport sector. MP Simon Danczuk will meet The Transport Minister again in November.

For the latest Rochdale news and events follow Rochdale Town Centre on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rochdaletowncentre and join the conversation on Twitter: @RochdaleTown