BDP has won the 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.
"It was difficult to choose a winner from such an exceptional shortlist but BDP's design really stood out," commented Rochdale Council leader Colin Lambert. "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."
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, organized by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, the RIBA and Places Matter!, 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.
Images: Courtesy of BDP