Work on vital new link road is in the fast lane
FRAG make their return
WORK to create a brand new link road at junction 19 of the M62 is well underway, with the first section of the key route almost complete.
Construction of the 2.2km road started in spring this year. Once complete, it will connect junction 19 (at Heywood and Middleton) to new development opportunities being created in the area and enhance access to existing employment sites such as the Heywood and Hareshill Distribution Parks.
The first section of new road, linking the motorway to Manchester Road, is now almost fully constructed.
Groundwork for another section of the new road, which will run alongside Hareshill Road and serve proposed new housing at the site, is also well underway.
The new road, which is expected to complete by the end of 2022, will bring major highways benefits to the area by rerouting HGV traffic away from Heywood town centre, as well as Birch and Bowlee, significantly reducing congestion in these residential areas.
It is also expected to save an estimated 4,700 km per day of journeys by providing HGV drivers with a direct route from the motorway into the business parks, where currently they have to go via Simister Island.
Around 3km of new walking and cycling routes will also be delivered as part of the scheme, and the new road will enable the provision of bus services to serve the new development and the existing business parks.
The road is being built by major contractor John Sisk and Son. The company has already delivered a number of projects in the area since construction started, including holding eight careers events with local schools and colleges and hosting four students on work experience, with plans to work more closely with Hopwood Hall College next year.
The new road is part of the South Heywood masterplan, which is being delivered by developer Russell Homes in conjunction with Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency.
Coun Danny Meredith, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see this game changing scheme progressing so quickly.
“We are lucky to benefit from good transport links, but we want to make them better and ensure that they work for everybody, regardless of where they live in the borough. This new road is a key part of our plan to overhaul transport provision across the borough and it will put our residents in the best possible position to benefit from the employment and wider economic opportunities that the South Heywood development will bring, as part of the Northern Gateway.
“I’m also really pleased that Sisk have very much engaged with school and colleges in the Heywood and Middleton area to ensure that local young people are benefitting from work which is taking place in their borough.”
Nick Culshaw, Sisk Managing Director for UK Civils and Rail, said: “This new road will not only help improve transport links, but our work on site is also bringing additional social value to the area.
“Alongside Highways’
National Education
Group, we held a collaborative work experience week that allowed students from the area to learn more about construction and tour the site.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to add value to the local community, as well as help bring this important transport improvement to the area.”
Daniel Kershaw, Russell Homes director, said: “The link road has been a long held ambition for this area and will unlock the development of much needed new homes and highly desirable employment space as part of the South Heywood masterplan.
“We are pleased, after many years of planning, to see the link road project on track and completion of this first phase as planned.”
FRAG (Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery) following informal pilot gatherings had its first proper meeting since before the pandemic.
In a change to timehonoured Tuesdays this was on the new meeting day, Thursday, November 11, Tuesdays being closed in future in favour of Sunday opening at Touchstones.
Mark Doyle, Joint Head of Culture introduced the current exhibitions, which run until February 13, 2022.
For some time, artists have been invited to explore and react to the profusion of the Borough’s permanent collections.
Far from navel gazing this approach has produced fascinating insights and generated exciting new work over the past few years.
In ‘Aligned Raised Lowered Offset Paired’ George Meyrick has created new work responding to the space and changing light of Gallery One with its domed skylight.
In his words: “Folding out of the walls, geometric forms articulate space across two and three dimensions, an experience of apparent clarity and balance in an erratic world.”
Two other exhibitions set out to redress a perceived lack of representation of migrant communities.
Jasleen Kaur’s Gallery 3 show, ‘Gut Feelings Meri Jaan’ consists of artefacts and film installations, where re-mixed customs and rituals preserved by group members and their families are performed in and around Rochdale.
The second, also featuring a film installation in Gallery Four is by Helen Cammock, a Turner Prize winner 2019.
Entitled ‘Concrete Feathers and Porcelain Tacks’ it attempts to give fresh contexts and resonances to Rochdale local histories.
With the generous support of the Contemporary Art Society and the Mbili Foundation the film will enter the Borough’s permanent art collection and is supported by Arts Council England.
FRAG members enjoy such insightful opportunities plus enlightening speakers and visits to other galleries and places of artistic interest.
There is also a Christmas Party on 9 December 2021 for members and friends.
The Devil Went Down to Georgia; Always On My Mind; Take Me Home, Country Roads; Wichita Lineman; Rhinestone Cowboy; Stand by Your Man; Ring of Fire; Need You Now; Islands in the Stream; Jolene; 9 to 5; I Will Always Love You; The Gambler
NB Thursday from Tuesday (Touchstones closed, but open Sunday).
1 pm refreshment and check in - then 1.30pm to 2.30pm Speaker.
January 13, 2022: John Turkington on Georgia O’keefe - one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, best known for her paintings of beyond-life-size flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes, vivid bold colours, and distinguished compositions.
In ‘Your Space’, formerly the Heritage Gallery (ground floor) Touchstones.
Annual membership £10, monthly meeting fee £4, £3 for members.
For more information see www.link4life.org/ arts-heritage/frag or ring Chair Jenny Buckley on 01706 358 686