Today we can reveal for the first time how Rochdale Town Centre will look once the River Roch has been uncovered.
Manchester architects BDP have won the design competition to uncover the river.
Work on the £4.2m project – which will transform The Butts – is set to get under way later this year.
Exclusive pictures show how three sections of the river will be opened up, exposing a medieval bridge which has been hidden from view for more than a century.
Glass viewing platforms will jut out over the water and large areas of greenery will also be planted.
Town hall bosses hope the move will kick-start the transformation of the town centre.
Council leader Colin Lambert said: “The transformation of the public realm on and around The Butts will enhance the river reopening which is an incredibly exciting project and a critical part of our regeneration plans.
The council is putting around £2.5m into the project with the Environment Agency pledging another £540,000.
A second stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the remainder of the money will be submitted in February with the council expecting the results in the summer. Work is then expected to last about 30 weeks - meaning it could be finished by the end of the year.
Article from Rochdale Observer http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/manchester-architects-bdp-won-design-6521440
18 Jan 2014