BDP picked for Rochdale town centre revamp

Architect 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.”