Regenerating Middleton
 

Investing in Middleton

Middleton is the second largest town centre in the Borough of Rochdale with a population of 47,500. It is strategically located with the motorway network, the large conurbation of Manchester, and open countryside all within close proximity.

Middleton town centre meets the day to day convenience shopping needs for the surrounding residential areas and therefore relies upon its natural catchment population for prosperity and success. It is essential that efforts are made to continually improve the town centre, by broadening the retail base to limit transfer of the resident population to other centres for shopping. Extending the number of people attracted to the town centre will sustain and enhance its vitality and viability for the future.

Regeneration in Middleton

Middleton Town Centre is seeing regeneration which will change the face of the town centre and provide greater shopping choice and facilities.

Rochdale Development Agency and Middleton Township Regeneration Group together with consultants Building Design Partnership (BDP) and Donaldsons have prepared a plan for the future of Middleton town centre. This plan is the Middleton Spatial Masterplan.

The Middleton Spatial Masterplan builds on recent achievements, such as the new bus station and the extension to Middleton Shopping Centre, and provides opportunities for further improvements to the town centre beyond the arrival of Tesco and the relocation of Civic and Leisure Centre (Middleton Arena).

The Masterplan aims to enhance the development potential of the town centre whilst improving accessibility and connectivity. The Masterplan includes the identification of potential development and refurbishment opportunities, introduction of a pedestrian friendly environment, creation of high quality public spaces, and options to improve the transport provision.

This Masterplan has been subject to widespread public and stakeholder consultation. Changes have been made to the draft plans, presented in January 2006, to reflect feedback and comments provided. Consultation does not stop on production of the Masterplan as it is an indicative plan, and further consultation will be carried out when we come to draw up more detailed specifications.