Six housing blocks just outside the town centre are now confirmed for demolition
Six blocks of flats in the centre of Rochdale are now doomed and one man now fears his house is next.
Plans for demolition of the empty blocks on the Lower Falinge estate, named the most deprived area in England for the fifth successive year back in 2013, have been approved this week. Landowner Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wants to regenerate the area and has determined bulldozing the blocks is the only affordable option.
The maisonette blocks destined for the wrecking ball include Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, and Vaynor.
Amongst the 1970s blocks on the western side of the estate is the Zedburgh block – where Andy Roche lives with his partner. He has lived there since 1998 and has no intention of moving.
In a block of 24 flats, Andy’s is the only one occupied, but for how long is the question on his mind. The 50-year-old’s presence there is the only reason Zedburgh isn’t among the six blocks set to be knocked down.
He has been campaigning to stop the demolition, so when he found out the council had approved the plans, Andy was ‘disappointed but not shocked’.
“I can’t really go out and stand in front of the bulldozer,” he said. “But we are going to challenge this decision.
“I feel it is inevitable for the rest of the 1970s blocks now. I am anxious now of course.
“We are definitely next in line. All the blocks around us are coming down and we will be the only ones left on this side.”
After speaking to locals, Andy says other people living in the 1970s style blocks are worried they could see their homes levelled as well. However, RBH has not planned any demolition of the blocks where tenants are currently living.
Andy is now planning to mount a legal challenge to the decision and is exploring options.
“There is still a bit of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel,” the Zedburgh block resident said. “It’s not completely hopeless.
“I don’t know what we will have to do to save our block. We have lost this battle but there are more to come.”
Millions of pounds have already been invested into newer housing in the area, with new housing blocks already built in the estate – creating a strange mix of old and new housing. RBH says it intends to continue on that path of regeneration once the six blocks are gone.
The site off Spotland Road would be left as vacant grassland until RBH makes a decision on the next stages of their redevelopment plans.
Hannah Fleming, RBH head of regeneration and development, said: “We have been talking to our customers over a number of years about our plans for the regeneration of Lower Falinge, and this week’s decision is in line with the Lower Falinge Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which was approved by Rochdale Borough Council in autumn 2021.
“The six blocks initially proposed for demolition are in a condition that would mean they cannot be occupied and would not be safe and warm homes. The only sustainable and affordable solution is to demolish them and build new homes that will meet the aspirations of the current and next generation of customers.
“These new homes will be designed in consultation with the people of Rochdale to ensure they meet the needs of the current and future residents of Lower Falinge. In December we consulted with our customers in the area about the types of homes and facilities they would like to see.
“The decision this week brings us one step closer to being able to deliver on these plans.”
