Housing chiefs ‘happy to talk’ on Sisters plans

HOUSING bosses say they are happy to speak to anyone who has concerns about the controversial redevelopment of Lower Falinge and the Seven Sisters.

It comes as a petition signed by 800 people protesting against plans to demolish four of the College Bank tower blocks was presented to council on Wednesday night.

The multi-million plans, which come after nine months of public consultation and could take 20 years to complete, will see the two estates changed beyond recognition.

Four of the towers – Mitchell Hey, Dunkirk Rise, Tentercroft and Town Mill Brow – would be demolished to make way for up to 120 new homes.

The three remaining blocks – Mardyke, Holland Rise and Underwood – would be modernised under the proposals drawn up by renowned architects Levitt Bernstein.

Sixteen of the 26 two-storey blocks on the nearby Lower Falinge estate, which contain 244 occupied flats, would also be knocked down with up to 560 new houses built in their place.

Speaking earlier this week Robin Parker, from the Save Seven Sisters, the campaign group behind the petition, said: “By all means let’s get some government cash and improve the estate, refurbish the blocks, give the place a facelift, but what they are proposing at the moment is a vast waste of public money.

“The other message we are getting from people is that the Seven Sisters are iconic.

“When you see the flats as you come off the motorway, you know you are home. I think that’s why so many members of the wider community have also signed our petition.”

In a statement landlords Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said: “We understand that some people have concerns about the proposals and potential redevelopment.

“There is also a significant number of residents who are pushing for change and a wider choice of affordable, high-quality homes in Rochdale town centre.

“These proposals are still in the early stages, so we will be continuing to consult widely on the potential improvements and investment.

“With the input of the local community, we want to create sustainable neighbourhoods that best meet the needs of both current and future residents, and improve people’s homes and quality of life.

“As part of this process, we are going to be talking individually to each of the 1,200 households in Lower Falinge and College Bank over the summer about what the plans may

mean for them and to discuss any queries.

“If anyone who has signed the petition would like to talk to us about their concerns before we visit them, then we would be happy to do so.”