BDP has won a RIBA competition to improve the look of Rochdale town centre and better connect the two sides of the River Roch.
Other shortlisted practices included Adam Khan Architects, Atkins, Bauman Lyons and Land Use Consultants. Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert commented on the difficulty of choosing a winner ‘from such an exceptional shortlist’. But BDP’s design, he says, 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 later this month with the council expecting the results in the summer.