A £1.2m walking and cycling scheme that could kick-start regeneration in a deprived area of Rochdale has taken an important step forward.
Council chiefs unanimously agreed to push ahead with ‘major improvements’ to Castleton’s high street’ including ‘dedicated facilities’ for people travelling by bike or on foot.
Dubbed ‘Castleton Phase 1’ it would create protected cycle lanes from the train station to the Royal Toby Hotel, as well as enhancing crossings at Royle Barn Road, Nixon Street and Manchester Road.
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A 52-space car park on land opposite Nixon Street has also been added to the scheme after locals raised concerns over a loss of spaces and the possible impact on businesses.
It forms part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and is paid for via the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF).
Highways officer Chris Woods told a cabinet meeting it was a walking and cycling scheme ‘at heart’ it would also involve the ‘complete rebuild’ of roads in the village and could be the ‘start of something quite big’ for Castleton.
Castleton was in part selected for the project due to the lack of cycling infrastructure on this ‘key route’, while only the basic needs of pedestrians are met’
A council report adds that there are ‘existing road safety concerns’ in the area, while the general street scene is unattractive and the highway layout has been without any significant investment for considerable amount of time.
It is hoped the scheme will encourage walking and cycling and, reducing ‘the dependency of short car trips’,while improving air quality, road safety and people’s health.
There should also be a drop in emissions, which is an important objective of the council following its declaration of a climate emergency and plan to be carbon neutral by 2038.
Council leader Neil Emmott gave his full backing to the scheme- and welcomed changes made in response to concerns brought up during the consultation.
“One of the largest issues that was raised was the fact of losing parking spaces, so it’s good that has been addressed - and addressed more than fully in the final recommendation,” he told the meeting.
Castleton is ranked as the 17th most deprived ward in England, and Coun Emmott hopes the project could go some way to boosting its fortunes.
“This could be the start of something new to move forward the regeneration of Castleton village centre, which would be brilliant in conjunction with the work taking place around the station area,” he said.
Coun John Blundell - who is driving the borough’s rail corridor ‘masterplan’ - agreed, adding that the scheme would lead to higher footfall and more people using Castleton’s shops and businesses.
And Coun Danny Meredith, cabinet member for highways and housing, said the environmental benefits meant it was imperative the council backed the scheme.
He said: “A couple of years ago we declared a climate emergency. We need much more walking and cycling within our borough, so therefore I’m happy to move this proposal that we accept this.”
Cabinet members unanimously agreed seven recommendations which will lead to a full business case being submitted to Transport for Greater Manchester.
It is hoped that work will begin in spring 2022 and be completed before the end of the same year.
There is also a ‘Phase 2’ scheme in the pipeline, which would bring further walking and cycling benefits to Castleton.
Rochdale council cabinet met at Number One Riverside on Tuesday night (December 14).
