Town centre river revival earns top design award
TWO restoration projects bagged the top awards as the best in architecture was celebrated at the Rochdale Borough Design Awards.
The River Roch reopening in the town centre collected the ‘Rochdale Borough Design Award’, during the ceremony at the town hall.
Judges were impressed with the contribution the award-winning project has already made to the regeneration of the town centre and its striking design.
The restoration of two semi-detached houses at 51-53 Rochdale Road, Middleton originally designed by the renowned architect Edgar Wood won the ‘People’s Design Award’ with 265 votes.
Overall 566 votes were cast, with the Middleton properties being strong winners - over 150 votes clear in first place.
The event was opened by Mark Robinson, assistant director of planning at Rochdalecouncil and the trophies were presented by John Jones, regional design director from awards sponsor Countryside Properties.
Coun Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet Member for neighbourhoods, community and culture said: “It’s very pleasing that an independent panel of judges have recognised the river re-opening project which has transformed the look of Rochdale town centre as well as providing much needed flood defences.
“This award is for everyone who worked so hard to bring the river-reopening to fruition, and acknowledges the drive and determination of a real team effort.”
Coun June West, chair of Middleton Township and a board member of the Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative said: “The skill and delicacy with which the restoration of this pair of Grade II listed properties have been undertaken is superb and the work has ensured that the special architectural and historic interest of these important buildings will be preserved.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for us and I know everyone associated with 51-53 Rochdale Road including their residents are absolutely thrilled.”
Coun Daalat Ali, deputy leader of the council and cabinet Member for planning & development visited the nominated buildings.
He said: “We have seen another high quality set of entries competing for the awards, each of them making a significant con- ●●Coun Daalat Ali and Coun Janet Emsley with John Jones from Countryside Properties at the reopening of the River Roch project, which won the Rochdale Borough Design Award tribution to the local environment and benefiting its community. All our winners and nominated buildings deserve much credit.”
Nominees who will receive a certificate of commendation are refurbishment and extension to the Bird at Birtle, Heywood, flats at Daventry Road, Kirkholt, refurbishment of Newgate House, Tetrosyl headquarters, Rochdale, refurbishment of the Wellington Hotel, Rochdale town centre and houses at Longridge Drive, Heywood.