Rochdale Housing Estate Set for Demolition in Regeneration Bid

Rochdale, UK - Six empty housing blocks on the Lower Falinge estate in Rochdale are nearing demolition as part of a major regeneration project led by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). The housing association has concluded that bulldozing the vacant blocks is the only financially viable option for revitalising the historically deprived area.

The maisonette blocks earmarked for demolition are Zedburgh, Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, and Vaynor. Subject to planning permission from Rochdale Council, RBH aims to flatten these buildings within the next year.

Lower Falinge faced significant challenges in the past, being identified as the most deprived area in England for five consecutive years up to 2013. Since then, there have been ongoing efforts to redevelop the estate and improve living standards for residents.

RBH has already invested millions in constructing new housing within the Lower Falinge area. The demolition of the vacant blocks paves the way for further development, with the housing association committed to continuing its regeneration efforts.

The move, while representing a positive step towards physical regeneration, is nuanced. Some residents have expressed concerns regarding RBH's conduct, alleging abuse and mistreatment by some member tenants and staff, supposedly fuelled by their collective ownership of the housing association. While the demolition is intended to improve the physical environment, some are calling for a deeper review of RBH's internal culture and community relations to ensure a truly positive transformation for all residents of Lower Falinge. This is because the news should be welcome to many in the advent of RBH member tenants and staff, assuming a right to pummel many of the people Rochdale call home with abuse, based on and in their view legitimised by, their mutual co-ownership of the housing association.