New bid to save Seven Sisters
DOZENS of people have signed a new online petition protesting against the planned demolition of the Seven Sisters flats.
It comes after landlords Rochdale Boroughwide Housing announced proposals to knock down four of the iconic tower blocks in a multi-million pound redevelopment which could take up to 20 years to complete.
Last month, a petition signed by 800 people also protesting against the plans was presented to council.
The online petition, on the 38 Degrees website, has been signed by 179 people.
It states: “Prevent Rochdale Boroughwide Housing from demolishing four blocks of flats and restructuring the other three, which will mean every resident of the 761 properties will have to move out of their homes. All the seven blocks need is to be further improved, repaired, repainted, generally wellmaintained and well-managed by RBH without having to displace the elderly, poor and vulnerable people living there.
“Residents have not been properly consulted and feel these proposals are being imposed upon them by RBH. Pensioners were in tears when the proposals were revealed on the estate, as they all expected to live out their days in these totally accessible properties, which are close to the town centre and three supermarkets.”
The plans, which come after nine months of public consultation, will see College Bank – and nearby Lower Falinge – 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 twostorey blocks on Lower Falinge, which contain 244 occupied flats, would also be knocked down, with up to 560 new houses built in their place.
RBH bosses have said they are happy to speak to anyone who has concerns about the controversial redevelopment.
In a statement last month, the housing association said: “We understand that some people
‘These proposals are still in the early stages, so we will be continuing to consult widely’
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.”