Traffic changes put Rochdale on the road to transformed town centre

A section of Baillie Street outside the Wheatsheaf shopping centre is set to close to traffic at the end of this month as part of a scheme to make the town centre more pedestrian friendly and reduce town centre congestion.

The closure, which comes into effect on Monday 28 October, will mean that vehicles can no longer travel from the west to the east along the full length of Baillie Street.

To ensure that traffic can still move easily around the town centre, Constantine Road, which links the bottom of Drake Street to Baillie Street, will be made two way so vehicles travelling from the town centre can turn right onto Constantine Road and continue their journey along South Parade.

Drivers travelling down Penn Street will also be able to turn right at the bottom for the first time to enable continued access along Baillie Street to Telegraph House. All changes will be clearly signposted.

Drivers who park in the Baillie Street car park can continue to access the car park by turning off St Mary’s Gate, crossing over Yorkshire Street and travelling down Penn Street before turning left at the bottom.

The highways improvements are part of the ongoing transformation of Rochdale town centre, which includes the Town Centre East development, a new shopping and retail facility on and around the site of the current bus station.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These changes will make it a lot easier for pedestrians and help us accommodate the many exciting changes which are on their way, including the new Metrolink.

“We thank residents and businesses for their continued support and understanding while we make all the necessary changes to lay the groundwork for the exciting transformation of Rochdale town centre.”

Anyone who would like more information on the work taking place across Rochdale town centre can visit www.rochdaletowncentre.com.