Town issues centre brief

Planning, 26 June 2009

The brief has been developed with the Homes and Communities Agency, the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) and property consultancy DTZ.

The winning developer will be able to use 9ha of council land for shops, leisure facilities, public space and car parking, with potential for offices and homes.

The brief also encourages developers to show proposals for a department store and food outlet as anchor tenants. Following public consultation, a final decision is expected to be made by the council next summer.

RDA chief executive John Hudson said: "Market research has shown that by the time we have the site cleared in 2012, we will be in a prime position to attract retailers to the town centre.

"It will be a great year for the borough, with the arrival of Metrolink, a £60 million council headquarters, a library and office space for thousands of workers."