New CGI images of how a vision to create more than 200 homes in a part of Greater Manchester would look have been revealed to coincide with the launch of a public consultation into the plans.
Capital&Centric has unveiled new pictures of its first 'Neighbourhood' scheme which would see the company transform the former Central Retail Park into a new town centre community.
Local residents are being asked what they think about the proposals which include more than 200 homes for rent with a mix of one-to-five bed houses and apartments.
If backed by the council, the scheme will also feature a food hall, general store, café-bar and flexible communal space.
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: "Neighbourhood Rochdale goes beyond just building new homes, it’s about rebooting the town centre and creating a proper community where you can get to know your neighbours and make new friends.
"That’s why we’ve included tons of shared spaces, which could be used for everything from yoga classes to kids’ parties or even a cinema night, and meeting pods for people working from home.
"And there’s also the food hall and outdoor events pavilion to bring in people from the wider community. As you’d expect from us, it’s going to be very green, with beautiful terraces for all the houses and lots of landscaped spaces and lush lawns. We’ve got loads of ideas but want to know what local people think so give us a shout."
The plans are part of the £400m regeneration of Rochdale town centre and the council’s rail strategy, which will level up the town centre with 7,000 homes around the borough’s five railway stations.
Capital&Centric is working with the council and Rochdale Development Agency on the scheme, which would be built by construction company Willmott Dixon, who recently completed the £80m leisure and retail development at Rochdale Riverside.
Cllr John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and communications at Rochdale Borough Council, added: "Neighbourhood Rochdale is part of the wider £400m regeneration of Rochdale town centre and also forms part of our rail strategy, which will see us transform major brownfield sites around our five railway stations.
"I’d urge locals to get involved in this consultation, so they can help to shape what I’m sure will be a thriving new town centre community."
The consultation closes on Friday, June 4.
