Rochdale Rail Corridor

The Rochdale Rail Corridor Strategy capitalises on the borough’s strategic location and five existing railway stations; Rochdale, Castleton, Mills Hill, Smithy Bridge and Littleborough, with a potential sixth at Slattocks, to drive sustainable and inclusive development. As part of the Calder Valley Corridor, these transport hubs connect Rochdale to Manchester, Leeds, and the surrounding countryside, with 2.8 million rail journeys recorded in 2023.

The strategy, guided by Transit-Oriented Development, envisions walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods centered around public transport hubs, delivering 7,000 new homes for up to 16,000 residents while expanding employment and leisure opportunities. Active travel, such as walking and cycling, is prioritised to reduce car dependency, resulting in the elimination of 11.4 million car journeys annually and a reduction of 280 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. With 76% of new housing planned on brownfield land, the strategy advances climate action and promotes healthier lifestyles and a higher quality of life for residents.

The plan includes improvements at Mills Hill, focusing on accessibility and cycling routes alongside 950 new family homes. Slattocks, a proposed new station, would enhance connections to employment hubs such as Stakehill Business Park and Hopwood Hall’s Middleton campus. Castleton would see the development of 1,500 homes, the integration of the East Lancashire Heritage Railway with the national rail network, and benefits from the planned Metrolink extension. Rochdale Station and its surroundings are set to host 1,700 new homes, 6,250 m² of retail and commercial space, a new public square, a platform park, and improved cycling and pedestrian links.

The strategy also incorporates a proposed Metrolink expansion to Heywood and the connection of Castleton to the national rail network. These developments are expected to increase investment, generating an additional £59 million in gross value added and positioning Rochdale as a dynamic and accessible destination.

The Station Gateway ill lead to an exciting new development at the former Central Retail Park. Willmott Dixon will be delivering a mix of energy efficient high quality modern homes and an apartment building aspiring to achieve Net Zero Carbon and highly sustainable design standards. The scheme will feature a new linear park, a community hub and a commercial space. On the doorstep of the train station, commuting into Manchester will only take 13 minutes or alternatively wandering into the new Rochdale Riverside shopping centre will only take 10 minutes.

Station Gateway

As part of the Rail Corridor scheme, Station Gateway will offer a new, more welcoming entry point to Rochdale for visitors and residents.

It will improve the sense of arrival, and - as the name suggests - provide a fitting getaway to the heritage, retail and leisure attractions of Rochdale town centre. Station Gateway plans include:

• A new, more welcoming platform and station experience

• The creation of a new Station Platform Park

• A new pedestrian square to provide arrival, community and event space

• A clear sense of place and wayfinding

• A gateway node to the wider region

• An interchange between transport modes