Hundreds have their say on the vision to transform Kirkholt

Hundreds of people have already given their views on the proposals, called the Ideas for Change, at events and special one-to-one sessions.

The 15-year vision has been created following consultation with local people and residents’ views continue to be at the heart of plans to improve the area. Some of the suggestions made at meetings and drop-in events have resulted in alterations to the original proposal, which are explained in detail in the newsletter.

A freepost reply card is included to encourage people to ask questions and give their views.

Paul Beardmore, Head of Housing Strategy at Rochdale Council, said: “The ideas look at how we can provide hundreds of modern new homes, develop better community facilities and create safer, cleaner neighbourhoods and open spaces.  We want to provide a greater choice of high quality homes and facilities on Kirkholt so that people don’t have to leave the area to find these - as some have been doing over the last few years.”

The proposals are still not set in stone and the partners - Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Rochdale Council and the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder – are urging people to have their say before any decisions are made.  

Paul Beardmore added: “We firmly believe that we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Kirkholt by creating new homes, better facilities and safer, cleaner streets and parks.  We want to thank everyone who has got involved so far and assure residents that we are listening.”

Gareth Swarbrick, Managing Director of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said:  “Residents have made it clear that they want to see action to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime and see modern homes and shops built in Kirkholt. Whilst the exact details have not been decided, we think we have got some strong outline proposals to present to potential developers later in the year, which will help turnaround perceptions of Kirkholt and really make a difference.”

The proposals so far include:

• Replacing up to 600 existing homes with new, quality modern homes for sale and rent and introducing further new housing developments which could mean building up to 1,400 new homes.
• Providing new community facilities, including new playing fields and a community centre.
• Building modern new shops with better parking and disabled access to replace the existing outdated shops.
• Creating new, safer green spaces and improving Balderstone Park with new recreational facilities.
• Carrying out improvements to the local environment and making it easier for people to move through the estate on foot and by car, bus and bicycle.
• Action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

If the ideas go head, anyone affected by demolition would have a range of compensation and support options to help them to move house.

A Steering Group made up of over 40 volunteers including residents, community groups, retailers and officers has been working hard for over a year to shape the Ideas for Change.

There are lots of events and meetings being planned for this year where residents can get involved.  These include:

• A Sixty Plus Focus Group is being set up to look specifically at the housing needs of older people. This is scheduled for June, September, December and March 2008.  
• A Youth for Design project which will get younger residents of secondary school age involved in design ideas.  This group is due to meet in July, August, October and December.
• A public open day on the Ideas for Change for everyone in Kirkholt will take place later in the summer including a workshop on the heritage of the area. A date has not been set yet, but information will be sent out to residents nearer the time.

Residents can contact the Kirkholt drop-in centre to find out more on 01706 651426.

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