Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has been praised by ministers for playing a key role in securing £20m in regeneration cash for the town.
The funding, secured through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will support three transformative schemes aimed at enhancing Rochdale’s town centre, housing and educational facilities.
Welcoming the announcement, Paul Waugh MP said:
“This £20 million investment is a fantastic boost for Rochdale, delivering real and lasting benefits for our community. I have consistently championed the need for targeted funding to drive regeneration, and I am delighted that the government has recognised Rochdale’s potential. This funding will help create new homes, support businesses, and provide first-class education and cultural opportunities for local people.”
The funding will be used to support three key projects:
- Station Gateway Development – The transformation of the former Central Retail Park site into a fully net zero development featuring more than 200 new homes and a new public park.
- Rochdale Creates Space – A project to revitalise vacant town centre properties, establishing craft workspaces, retail outlets, and a youth arts centre, enriching Rochdale’s cultural and economic landscape.
- Hopwood Hall College & University Centre Redevelopment – The rebuild of a key college building, with an additional floor to expand access to Higher Education and Access Students, enhancing educational opportunities for Rochdale’s residents.
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP, praised the work of the Rochdale MP in securing this funding, saying:
“Rochdale’s Member of Parliament, Paul Waugh, is a tireless advocate for Rochdale, championing the community in order to deliver the best for its residents. Today we have announced £20 million funding for Rochdale to kickstart growth through regeneration, which will ensure every community is able to benefit.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Paul Waugh MP welcomed the investment, saying:
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, can I warmly welcome today’s announcement of £20 million in community regeneration partnership money for Rochdale? That’s money that will help further revitalise our town centre and the area around our train station, as well as expand our brilliant Hopwood Hall College. Doesn’t this prove what can happen when you’ve got a Labour government working with a Labour council and a Labour MP to revive an area?”
Responding, Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris MP, commended Paul Waugh MP’s efforts in securing the investment:
“I absolutely do. And my honourable friend has been dogged, dogged almost to the point of—well, I won’t say what to the point of—but dogged with me around securing that money for Rochdale.
“I know it’s going to make a real difference. We’re delighted, despite this being yet another thing that wasn’t funded by the previous government, that we’ve been able to secure that funding. I know it’s going to have a great impact, and I look forward to visiting.”
Council Leader Neil Emmott also welcomed the investment, stating:
“We’re delighted to secure funding for these projects, which we’ve been working really hard to get delivered. Together, good quality new homes, fantastic educational opportunities and increased access to culture are the cornerstone of the high quality of life we are working so hard to deliver for each and every resident of our borough.”
This investment marks a major milestone in Rochdale’s regeneration journey, with the funding set to create opportunities for residents, attract further investment, and ensure a bright and prosperous future for the town.