Castleton and Heywood MasterplanUnlocking the Potential

Peter Rowlinson, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough CouncilLudovic Pittie, Mouchel Group

Final Masterplan Presentation – Autumn 2010

Contents

Castleton

Station

Heywood

Station

1. Introduction

2. Context

3. Shared Vision

4. Ideas for Changes

5. Implementation Plan

6. Next Steps

1. Introduction

Project BoardEast Lancashire Railway TrustEast Lancashire light Railway CompanyRochdale Development AgencyRochdale Metropolitan Borough Council Impact partnership

Background

• Study by Locum Consulting for East Lancashire Railway Trust to develop a Strategy for:

– increasing the number of visitors from 107,000 to over 200,000.

– extending the line to Castleton and the main line connection

– creating further attractions along the route.

• One key recommendation was the need for coordinated development plans for Heywood and Castleton

Development Process

July 10 04 Aug 10 14 Sept 10

Collect & Analyse information

Review Workshop

Document sign off

Project starts

Vision development

Masterplandevelopment

Report finalisation

Design Workshop

19 Aug 10 23 Sept 10 08 Oct 10

Townships & ELR Trust

presentations

Project Board

meeting

2. Strategic Context

Relationship with LDF

• Heywood– Strategic employment sites south of

Heywood connecting to M62 potentially frees up area around Heywood station

– Strategic housing site north of Heywood station framework supports opportunities for residential development

– Heywood regeneration area

• Castleton– ELR links to Castleton– Castleton economic growth area– Strategic mixed use sites in Castleton– Strategic employment sites in north and

west Castleton - compliments destination heritage village development around station/canal

– Retained Green belt between Castleton and Heywood - leisure/green links opportunities and gateway to landscape to north

3. Shared Vision

Shared design principles• Develop sustainable communities;• Draw from the existing village character to inform

developments,• Develop the design of streets and alleys to link with the local

character and create streets for people;• Promote sustainable transport – canal, rail interchange;

• Build on physical heritage and green and water space assets;• Reveal buried treasures of the local heritage assets;• Retain, restore and reinvent industrial heritage character such

as mill buildings and canal;

• Connect all destination and development opportunities;• Target the correct development for successful, sustainable

communities such as live/work development;• Encourage local spend and internal investment;• Establish Learning destination and learning/skills spaces;

• Expand Green links and green and growing space throughout;• Enable Green spaces access and form gateways to wider

countryside;• Create leisure and play opportunities; and• Promote biodiversity.

Heywood The Vision

Shared Vision for Sustainable Living

Illustrative MasterplanIdeas for Change

4. Ideas for change

• Castleton: The Heart

• Green Living

• Heywood Culture Park

• Castleton: Reinventing Manchester Road

Castleton: The Heart

Castleton: The Heart

Castleton: The Heart

Castleton: The Heart

Green Living

Green Living

Green Living: Features

Blue Pits Country Park Marina & Ecopark

Heywood Culture Park

Heywood Culture Park

Heywood Culture Park: Features

Heywood Culture Park: Long Term

Castleton: Reinventing Manchester Road

Reinventing Manchester Road

5. Implementation Plan

• ELR Extension and Castleton Station;

• ELR Heywood Station and restoration of Sefton Street Warehouse; and

• Planned developments on Woolworths and Whipp & Bourne site, which can foster regeneration through retail and residential developments.

Key Precursors

Overall Masterplan PhasingImmediate (0-2 years): projects that are already underway and critical actions

Short term (2-5 years): proposals that have been identified as potential opportunities

Medium term (5-10 years): proposals that will require coordinated funding

Long term (10+): proposals with significant preparatory work

• RMBC and ELR Trust to engage with Goods Warehouse landowner regarding the principles of a development and potential land acquisition;

• Design and development of permanent ELR Station building in former station platform site including events area;

• Consultation with Manchester Transport Museum, Rochdale Fire Museum and other potential interested parties to occupy Goods Warehouse;

• Feasibility study for re-opening Railway Street; and

• Prepare HLF Funding application for Phase 1 of the Heywood Culture Park, including ELR Station building, pedestrian bridge, Good Warehouse restoration and learning and participation venue.

Next Steps - Heywood

• ELR extension and new platform – discussion and negotiations with Network Rail regarding operational and land take requirements;

• Test viability of bridge parapet design changes and extension for new cantilevered station. Design and development of station building;

• Submission of planning application for development of the Woolworths and Whipp & Bourne site; negotiations regarding contributions;

• Develop Design Guide and set up Grant system for Shop Front Improvements;

• Consultation with British Waterways regarding moorings and Marina; and

• Sustrans project for upgrade of pedestrian and cycle link along Chadwick Lane.

Next Steps - Castleton