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| Photograph taken by Andrew Brookes |
Rochdale’s
medieval bridge, which has been hidden from public view for more than a
century, is set to be uncovered following the approval of a Heritage Lottery
Fund (HLF) grant to reopen the River Roch.
The Heritage
Lottery Fund’s £1.2m grant is a huge boost to the scheme, which is a vital part
of Rochdale town centre’s ongoing regeneration.
The project,
which is also backed by the Environment Agency and Regional Flood and Coastal
Committee with financial support of £1m, will remove two sections of the
culvert that covers the river to reveal the stunning 800-year-old bridge, which
was hidden from view in 1864.
Aside from a
brief period in the early nineties when the river was uncovered for engineering
works, no one has glimpsed this unique part of Rochdale’s heritage for over one
hundred years.
As well as
uncovering and restoring the bridge the project includes measures to enhance
the natural heritage of the river by including features that encourage river
vegetation and creatures to re-establish themselves.
Sara Hilton,
Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Rochdale’s exciting plans
to re-open the River Roch will not only reveal the hidden heritage at the heart
of the town, but will inspire local people to get involved and support the
surrounding natural environment. Running through the heart of the town, the
River Roch has played a vital role in Rochdale’s history over the years and
this project, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure
that it will again.”
The exposed
sections of the river will be located at the junction of Yorkshire Street and the
Esplanade.
Rochdale
Borough Council Leader, Richard Farnell, said: “This is great news for Rochdale
and we’re incredibly pleased the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to support
this vital project. The smaller scheme approved by the Council has saved over
£1m and concentrates on revealing the historic 13th Century bridge.
This will be a fantastic heritage attraction for the town.
“We also have
plans to regenerate the wider Butts area which will house a traditional outdoor
market. All these plans are intended to make Rochdale town centre a much more
attractive place to shop and visit.
“The river
reopening will help create a stunning town centre attraction and will be quite
unique in the area.”
The
Environment Agency welcomed the news, as the river reopening will significantly
reduce the flood risk in Rochdale town centre.
Tony
Callaghan, Project Lead for the river reopening for the Environment Agency,
said “This project will deliver some fantastic outcomes for the people of
Rochdale. It will reduce flood risk for over 40 properties and deliver
significant environmental improvements to 450m of concrete river channel by
establishing more natural habitats. The project is a great example of how we
are working with local and national partners to reduce flood risk, improve the
natural environment and help restore some of Rochdale’s fantastic heritage”.
Work is set
to start as early as February 2015, with the entire scheme due to be completed
in the autumn of that year.
Cllr Farnell
added: “Rochdale’s redevelopment, which has gained real momentum in recent
years, is not just about bringing new shops and developments. Honouring our
extensive heritage is equally important, and this scheme will sit wonderfully
alongside our Grade I Listed Town Hall as well as our historic ginnels and
walkways.”
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| Photograph taken by Andy Marshall |
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| Photograph courtesy of Touchstones Archives |
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