Residents have their say on the future of estates
COLLEGE Bank and Lower Falinge residents have been having their say on multimillion pound plans for the estates.
Housing bosses are considering a number of options for the regeneration of the two areas, which could see some or all of the Seven Sisters tower blocks, which have dominated the town’s skyline since the 1960s, torn down.
A three month consultation into the plans is currently ongoing, with three options being considered – ranging from repairs and refurbishment to demolition and rebuilding.
Earlier this month MP Simon Danczuk accused landlords Rochdale Boroughwide Housing of mismanaging the estates saying demolition was an ‘extreme measure he could not support’.
And tenants have also been having their say on the consultation website with mixed opinions.
Commenting on the College Bank plans one tenant supported demolition writing: “The flats were iconic structures for the town in the past, however, as time has gone by the flats are getting more and more bad press.
“This is due to antisocial behaviour and other government housing legislations, this in turn puts new tenants off from living here. The area needs a complete overhaul to attract new tenants.”
Another called on the flats to be set aside for elderly residents, while another said major renovation was required writing: “There has been talk of demolishing the seven sisters, this would not bother me, but stripping them back to the framework and rebuilding them could be a good move, they are iconic, but not attractive.
“The more business opportunities created the better, this part of Rochdale has high potential if it can merge with the town centre well.”
But a number of other tenants opposed demolition of the ‘large, safe and comfortable’ flats and instead called for extensive repairs and improvements to things such as the concierge service.
One wrote: “In a time of great housing need why on earth is RBH looking to demolish reasonable housing, centrally located, accessible flats, when as far as I’m aware they do not have the means or the method to rehome over 750 households?”
Another added: “Nowhere else would offer the same high quality of accommodation and the very practical and social convenience of living in Rochdale town centre.”
RBH chief executive Gareth Swarbrick has previously said the housing association wanted tenants to ‘help shape proposals from the outset’ and encouraged residents to have their say.
Visit rochdale.commonplace.is to view and comment on the proposals.