Top firm to help reshape town skyline
AN award-winning architecture firm responsible for the transformation of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre has been commissioned to work on a housing project that will redefine the Rochdale skyline.
Levitt Bernstein have been appointed to design the new College Bank and Lower Falinge estates – a project which could see the demolition of the landmark Seven Sisters flats.
They will work alongside Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and local residents over the next three months to draw up some initial ideas.
Barry McCullough, director at Levitt Bernstein, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to look at the options for improving College Bank and Lower Falinge in collaboration with the local community. “This is a truly exciting project and a real opportunity to improve the lives of the residents in central Rochdale.”
The company, which has offices in Manchester and London, is behind Withington Girls’ School, No 1 Hardman Street in Spinningfields, Colston Hall in Bristol, the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, the Victoria Gallery and Museum in Liverpool and numerous projects across London.
RBH chief executive Gareth Swarbrick said: “There is major investment and regeneration now underway in Rochdale town centre and investing in the homes is a key part of this regeneration.
“We want to provide better quality homes and a better quality of life for current and future residents of College Bank and Lower Falinge and every decision will be made in consultation with the local community and with that goal in mind.”
Andrew Johnson, secretary of the College Bank Tenants and Residents’ Association, and tenant member and vice chair of the RBH representative body, added: “I have been involved in appointing Levitt Bernstein to look at options over the next three months. ●●The award-winning architects who worked on the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham (above) will help transform the College Bank and Lower Falinge areas of Rochdale (below)
“Their brief is to work with residents and partners to consider the best future investment for College Bank and Lower Falinge. As part of this lots of detailed consultation will be starting soon and I would encourage all those living in the area to get involved and have their say.”
Levitt Bernstein’s work will build on RBH’s plans for Lower Falinge which include the 26 houses built in 2015 on the site of two former blocks of flats and a derelict pub.
Planning permission has also recently been granted for a further 19 new homes and a new kick pitch in the area.
For more information visit rbh.org.uk/collegebanklowerfalinge.