‘Demolishing flats will not solve crisis’
DEMOLISHING Rochdale’s ‘iconic’ Seven Sisters tower blocks will do nothing to tackle the housing crisis, MP Simon Danczuk has said.
Speaking in Parliament Mr Danczuk criticised the multi-million pound regeneration proposals, which could see some or all of the tower blocks, which have dominated the town’s skyline since the 1960s, torn down.
Award-winning architecture firm Levitt Bernstein, which was responsible for the transformation of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, has been commissioned to work on the project for College Bank and the nearby Lower Falinge estate. A three month consultation with residents is currently underway, with three options being considered – ranging from repairs and refurbishment to demolition and rebuilding.
But Mr Danczuk accused landlords Rochdale Boroughwide Housing of ‘mismanaging’ College Bank, which contains about 750 flats, and called for the high rise estate to be saved.
Speaking in Parliament he said: “Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has mismanaged College Bank flats for years and now, instead of dealing with that, proposes to demolish those iconic tower blocks. Such action will do nothing to tackle the housing crisis.”
Speaking afterwards Mr Danczuk added: “RBH are refusing to accept their own fault in all this. Not once have they offered to improve their own performance in managing the flats. Demolition of hundreds of homes is an extreme measure that I will not support.”
RBH chief executive Gareth Swarbrick said: “We’ve started a conversation with people in College Bank and Lower Falinge about how best to invest in the area and what changes might be needed.
“It is only right that local residents shape proposals from the outset, so we are talking to the community before there are any clear options. We have met with Simon Danczuk to explain our approach and we’re committed to continuing the discussion with Simon as well as with the local councillors throughout this process.
“No decisions have been taken. In fact at this stage there are no firm proposals or options.
“We want to hear the views of all those who live and work in College Bank and Lower Falinge to help shape these.”