You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to move residents out of landmark towers due to safety concerns
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has told more than 200 residents living in the town’s landmark seven tower blocks they will have to move out of their homes due to safety concerns.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to move more than 200 residents out of landmark Rochdale tower blocks due to safety concerns #UKHousingYesterday (22 October) the social landlord told 229 households living in College Bank, known locally as the Seven Sisters, that they would need to leave their homes over the coming months.
It comes after detailed surveys found a number of safety issues which mean the landlord can no longer confirm the “long-term safety of the buildings”.
According to RBH, the high-rise buildings have structural and electrical issues, problems with the water pumping system and roof damage.
Amanda Newton, chief executive of RBH, said: “This was a very difficult decision that was wholly focused on ensuring the long-term safety of the customers in College Bank.
“I understand how deeply unsettling this news will be for people living in College Bank, and I am also truly sorry for the uncertainty and delays over a number of years.”
Independent experts have been undertaking safety and structural surveys of each of the seven buildings, which will inform a decision on the future of the blocks by the end of the year, RBH said.
The 1960s towers have been earmarked for redevelopment since 2017, but after a campaign opposing the plans demolition was ruled out in 2023.
A year later, however, RBH said it was exploring “all options” to move the scheme forward, after an “exclusivity agreement” with Legal & General Affordable Homes came to an end.
The partnership had been drawn up in a bid to find a financially viable solution for bringing all homes in the seven blocks back into use.
RBH said that all options being explored for the future of the buildings, including refurbishment, will require residents to move out of their homes while any works take place, due to the age of the blocks.
A decision on the future of the towers will be announced by RBH’s board before the end of the year, following discussions with the College Bank Regenration Task Force.
The taskforce was set up earlier this year to explore a viable way forward for the regeneration, and includes representatives from RBH, Rochdale Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), including Greater Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham.
However, Mr Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester this morning that the eviction of residents was “news” to him.
“I was a little taken aback by this move. It was news to me late last night,” the mayor said.
Mr Burnham added: “I am at a loss right now. Of course safety overrides everything. But there has to be a plan for people. You cannot evict people without a plan. Today I will be looking into this.”
RBH said residents will not have to move out immediately, but will be supported to move over the coming months. Financial support will be provided, as well as assistance in finding new and suitable places to live.
Ms Newton added: “Our customers’ safety and well-being is our absolute priority. Our RBH colleagues, myself included, will be at College Bank speaking to our residents, answering their questions and ensuring they are aware of all the help and support available to them.”
Latest stories
