Rochdale's new public square gets planning approval

The council went ahead with the plans despite losing out on levelling-up cash

Plans for a new public square in Greater Manchester have been approved.

The Station Square project has been aimed at transforming the area leading to Rochdale's railway station.

The Labour-run council forged ahead with the proposals for the gateway into the borough despite losing out on £20m of levelling up cash earlier in 2023.

A planning statement said the investment would act as a "catalyst" for further investment in the borough.

The plans include street art, better signage, enhanced lighting and improved walking and cycling routes, as well as a proposal to move the current taxi rank to "reconnect" the station to shops and businesses, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The planning statement said the "major regeneration opportunity" would include "an improved public realm that will provide a new entrance to Rochdale".

It said the scheme would create "a civic space for local communities".

A planning statement said the investment would act as a "catalyst" for further investment in the borough

The approved proposals are part of a wider rail strategy, which aim to regenerate brownfield areas around the borough's five railway stations by building 7,000 new homes and one million sq m of employment space.

The council said more than 1,000 new homes could also be built near the station, including 200 apartments and houses on the site of the former Central Retail Park.

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