Rochdale Town Centre Urbanism Competition

Result

Rochdale Borough Council and the RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) have named Manchester-based BDP as the winners of the design competition to transform the town centre and complement plans to reopen the River Roch.

Architects, one from as far afield as Canada, submitted plans to revamp the area around the Butts where the river will be exposed as well as other parts of the town centre.

BDP, who successfully fought off a strong shortlist which included Adam Khan Architects, Atkins, Bauman Lyons and Land Use Consultants, won with a design which included glass viewing platforms to allow visitors to see the exposed bridges in more detail as well as extensive greenery around the site.

The competition was launched to improve the look of the town centre and better connect the two sides of the river once it has been reopened. It will also ensure that the area around the newly reopened river is sympathetic to its heritage features.

The panel which chose the winning design consisted of Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert, Rochdale Council’s head of planning Mark Robinson, local architect Paul Clark, chartered landscape architect Annie Coombes and architect and urban designer, Charles Wilson.

Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert, said: “It was difficult to choose a winner from such an exceptional shortlist but BDP’s design really stood out. The transformation of the public realm on and around the Butts will enhance the river reopening which is an incredibly exciting project and a critical part of our regeneration plans. Along with our £100m development agreement, it will move us closer to the fantastic town centre our residents and visitors deserve.”

Overview

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the RIBA and Places Matter! are challenging teams of urbanists worldwide to be inspired and inspire others in bringing life back to Rochdale’s streets.

Description
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the RIBA and Places Matter! are challenging teams of urbanists worldwide to be inspired and inspire others in bringing life back to Rochdale’s streets.

The main focus of the competition is on the public realm and ginnels around the revealed River Roch as well as the historic bridge in the Butts. Entrants are invited to think about the wider influence and potential of their proposals in particular how the disjointed parts of the town centre may be reconnected. Rochdale MBC plan to reveal the Roch by opening sections of the river through The Butts and restoring the medieval bridge to transform the centre of Rochdale. The ‘discovery’ of the medieval bridge, unknowingly crossed by thousands of people every day is of the utmost significance and will instil a sense of pride, hope and identify for Rochdale. Design proposals are sought befitting of the historic backdrop to bring life and reconnect the streets of Rochdale.

Jury
Charles Wilson, Architect & Town Planner. Also the Chair of the English Heritage Urban Panel and the Chair of the Bristol Urban Design Forum.
Annie Coombs, Chartered Landscape Architect
Mark Robinson, Chief Planning Officer, Planning and Regulation, Rochdale MBC
Colin Lambert, Leader of the Council, Rochdale MBC
Paul Clarke, Chair of the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation

Prize
Each shortlisted com- petitor will receive an honorarium of £3,000 + VAT.

Entry Fee
None

Timetable
Result: End November 2013

Organizer
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the RIBA

Official Website