Rochdale Town Centre Design Competition, Building Architecture Contest, News

Rochdale Town Centre Competition

Architectural Contest in Lancashire, north west England, UK

19 Jan 2014

Rochdale Town Centre Competition 2014

BDP wins competition for Rochdale revamp

BDP has won a RIBA competition to transform Rochdale town centre, seeing off a strong shortlist which included Adam Khan Architects, Atkins, Bauman Lyons and Land Use Consultants.

The competition was launched to improve the look of the town centre and better connect the two sides of the River Roch, following plans to reopen it.

BDP’s winning design features glass viewing platforms to allow visitors to see the exposed bridges in more detail as well as extensive greenery around the site.

Alan Davies, architect director at BDP, said: ‘’We are delighted to be selected and look forward to working with Rochdale Council to develop our winning proposals for the town. The town’s centre has great character which our designs aim to enhance. The plan also sets out to create a high quality environment which is responsive to both the wealth of historic buildings and the town’s medieval bridge, which will be uncovered and repaired as part of the river’s reopening. Also integral to our design concept is the interpretation of Rochdale’s rich history as a centre of textile manufacture, radical politics and the co-operative movement.”

Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert, said: “It was difficult to choose a winner from such an exceptional shortlist but BDP’s design really stood out. This is an incredibly exciting project and a critical part of our regeneration plans. Along with our £100m development agreement, it will move us closer to the fantastic town centre our residents and visitors deserve.”

BDP will now work the design up in more detail before resubmitting it to the council. The second stage bid for Heritage Lottery money to reopen the river will be submitted in February with the council expecting the results in the summer.

Images copyright BDP

Rochdale Town Centre Competition images / information from BDP

1 Aug 2013

Rochdale Town Centre Design Competition

Design proposals sought to bring life back to Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the RIBA and Places Matter! are challenging teams of urbanists worldwide to be inspired and inspire others in bringing life back to Rochdale’s streets.

The main focus of the competition is on the public realm and ginnels around the revealed River Roch as well as the historic bridge in the Butts. Entrants are invited to think about the wider influence and potential of their proposals in particular how the disjointed parts of the town centre may be reconnected. Rochdale MBC plan to reveal the Roch by opening sections of the river through The Butts and restoring the medieval bridge to transform the centre of Rochdale. The ‘discovery’ of the medieval bridge, unknowingly crossed by thousands of people every day is of the utmost significance and will instil a sense of pride, hope and identify for Rochdale. Design proposals are sought befitting of the historic backdrop to bring life and reconnect the streets of Rochdale.

Rochdale Town Centre:

photo from RIBA

Councillor Peter Williams, Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Customer Services said: “Our exciting plans to re-open the River Roch, will reveal the hidden history of the bridge and the river. Through the International Design Competition we are challenging urbanists to create a high quality public realm around the river reopening, which will enhance the setting of the town’s heritage assets and improve connections north and south of the river.”

Chris Smith, English Heritage’s National Planning and Conservation Director said “English Heritage has long known and valued the assets at the heart of Rochdale and is delighted to be supporting the exciting steps towards further revealing, enhancing and tying together the centre. By aspiring to the quality of creative thinking which an international design competition can unlock, Rochdale shows admirable ambition. I look forward to the further improvement of an already great place.”

Darren Ratcliffe, who is English Heritage’s Historic Places Adviser in the north west and is leading English Heritage’s involvement in the competition, added “Working with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the Rochdale Development Agency, Places Matter and RIBA to financially support and develop this competition has been a pleasure. I am sure the competition will generate significant national and international interest, we’re looking forward to seeing the entries received and to continuing our work in this great town.”

The competition is open to architects, landscape designers/architects, urban designers and heritage professionals worldwide. Entries from emerging designers are welcomed and encouraged and where appropriate this may require a collaborative approach. Stage 1 entries will be judged anonymously and five teams will shortlisted to proceed to the second stage with each receiving an honoraria payment of £3,000 +VAT.

For further details about the Rochdale Town Centre Competition and how to register for the competition please visit www.architecture.com/competitions and follow the link to Live Competitions. Deadline for receipt of designs is 2.00pm on Tuesday 10 September 2013.

Rochdale Town Centre Design Competition information from RIBA Competitions

Location: Rochdale, Lancashire, Northwest England, UK

Rochdale Buildings

Rochdale Building Designs

WaterSHED sports hall, Wardle Academy, Rochdale, Lancashire, north west England, UK
Design: BDP

photos courtesy of architects office
WaterSHED sports hall at Wardle Academy, Rochdale