Rochdale has been awarded £20 million after local MP Paul Waugh urged Ministers to back regeneration of the town.

In a letter to the MP, Minister for Growth Alex Norris announced that Rochdale will from early next year receive the huge injection of cash to redevelop the area around Rochdale station and other local projects.

Mr Norris said that £20 million in capital funding and £250,000 in revenue funding will be awarded under the Community Regeneration Partnerships programme to create jobs, homes, and improved public spaces.

The funding follows months of advocacy by Paul Waugh MP, who worked closely with Rochdale Council to highlight the town’s readiness to deliver impactful projects. In November, Paul wrote to the Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, urging the government to back Rochdale’s plans.

In his response, Alex Norris MP, the Minister for Local Growth, praised Paul’s “tireless advocacy” and confirmed “exciting times ahead” because the funding had been secured. The Station Gardens project is now being considered as part of a wider package of regeneration measures for Rochdale.

Paul Waugh MP said:

“This funding is a huge win for Rochdale. This just shows what a massive difference a Labour MP working with a Labour government and a Labour Council can make. It’s the result of a joint effort with Rochdale Council to ensure our town gets the investment it deserves. These projects will be transformative, and I’ll continue to push for their swift delivery.

“The last government talked about levelling up, but often didn’t provide the hard cash needed and repeatedly let down Rochdale. This government has now come up with the money we need for this crucial project.”

The Community Regeneration Partnerships programme, previously known as Levelling Up Partnerships, aims to tackle regional inequalities through targeted investment. The details of Rochdale’s package are being finalised, with the first payments expected early next year.