Heritage Action Zones
We’re supporting the restoration and reuse of historic buildings along Drake Street and South Parade, as part of its designation as a Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
The project aims to breathe new life into this area, which was a thriving shopping district but has lost some of its character.
We're offering a grant as part of this work to property owners to help them restore historic buildings and bring them back into use.
View Heritage Action Zones Grant, boundaries and more
Work taking place
The following projects are already taking place as part of the Heritage Action Zone grant.
- Improving properties on South Parade and Lower Drake Street - this involves creating more traditional style shop fronts to better reflect the age of the buildings, some of which date back to the early 19th century. Other work taking place includes repairs to the roofs and original sash windows. Heritage building techniques and materials will be used wherever possible, with Welsh slate being used on the roofs, along with cast iron drain pipes. The project will be complete in November 2021.
- Converting historic properties on Church Lane - a former solicitors office at 19-21 Church Lane has already been converted into apartments for rent, which are now fully occupied. We are hoping to create a similar housing scheme in the grade II listed property next door, which is the former Deaf and Dumb Institute, and slightly further up the road at number 25 Church Lane. We’ve already received planning applications for these sites and the conversion of the deaf and dumb institute is set to be complete before the end of 2021.
- Redeveloping Waterside House - this building, which was recently awarded grade II listed status, dates back to 1820. The former mill, which overlooks the River Roch in Water Street, was one of the first in Rochdale to convert from water to steam power. We’re engaging with the owner to support the renovation of the building into residential use.