RDA BUSINESS PLAN 2015/16 - Going for Growth CONTENTS CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Chairman’s Statement 03 The Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) restructured since 2007 to cope with the business growth. There is a national Chief Executive’s Report 04 has operated over the last 22 years as a worst recession in living memory and still election and key decisions to be made by company and successful public/private helped sustain remarkably high levels of Rochdale Council during the year that may 1. RDA Mission & Values 06 partnership. This has made the Agency a investment throughout this difficult period. necessitate changes but otherwise we are unique organisation in the local economic confident that our agreed Business Plan 2. Key Influences 08 There will be further challenges ahead but development sphere and with a distinctive the RDA will adapt to these as we have done provides a good basis for driving forward 3. Strategic Objectives & Priorities For Action 10 perspective. However, the RDA could in the past. the borough’s economic development plans. not have been successful without the > Accelerating Business Growth 10 commitment of Rochdale Council to making We are now hopefully entering a period I conclude with a genuine thank you to > Promoting Economic & Employment Growth 12 the borough an investment friendly place when the sustained recovery of the my fellow RDA Board, our partners and and reaching out to the private sector national economy is underway and Greater especially our loyal staff for all your > Developing The Infrastructure & Connectivity as partners in the creation of new jobs, Manchester is being allowed to shape its efforts on behalf of the borough last year. Necessary For Sustainable Economic Growth 14 investment and development. own destiny to a much greater extent. In 2014/15 the RDA not only achieved all > Transforming Our Town Centres 16 Despite the challenges we undoubtedly face, its performance targets but in most cases The RDA prides itself on being a nimble and I believe Rochdale borough is well placed exceeded these by a significant margin. > Investing In Our Heritage Assets 20 flexible organisation and there have been to take full advantage of these economic This year we continue to stretch ourselves many changes over the last two decades. opportunities and realise its potential as to achieve more for our borough. 4. Performance Management & Implementation 23 I am immensely proud of the way that the one of the main growth areas in Greater 5. Funding & Resources 26 Agency expanded to help Rochdale borough Manchester. successfully seize the opportunities 6. Organisational Prioritise & Changes 27 presented by major Government funding The RDA Business Plan for 2015/16 7. Key Locations At A Glance 28 over the period to 1997, directly generating is designed to not only maintain the some £2 billion of public/private investment. momentum of current activity but increase Phil Ewbank 8. RDA Board Members 29 I am equally proud of the way the RDA has the levels of inward investment and local RDA Chairman

02 | | 03 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

The new RDA business plan seeks to benefits for the time invested in them. attract 9 new firms to the borough last encourage the private sector to bring House site involving Hong Kong based and RDA. These include progressing the Newgate House; the refurbishment and reflect the strategic priorities that year and pleasingly our partners amongst forward a supply of new or substantially investors. first phase of exciting plans to restore re-occupation of the former Post Office have been identified as being critical Supporting the growth of our small- the commercial agents attracted a further refurbished premises to meet the needs and revitalise the magnificent Rochdale building on the Esplanade and a new to the future economic prosperity and to-medium sized business sector and 25 new companies. of local SME’s and incoming companies. Rochdale Town Centre remains a major Town Hall as a major events, hospitality Morrisons local store opening alongside success of the borough. Current work fostering their success will continue This will include support in terms of local priority for Rochdale Council and RDA is and visitor venue, the re-opening of the the new bus station. commitments such as the delivery of to be a major focus for our work. The The take-up of space in existing business rates, where it is demonstrated coordinating the overall programme of within The Butts area to reveal the major regeneration programme RDA’s business and investment team had properties and new-build schemes that otherwise vacant space is being development and environmental projects the mediaeval bridges beneath and the The financial challenges arriving in in Rochdale Town Centre, Kingsway an impressive year, demonstrating the for known occupiers has been a taken up for employment purposes or within the central area. The RDA is also creation of an adjacent area of public 2016/17 is likely to mean that further Business Park, the revitalisation of benefits of having an integrated and pro- strong feature of Rochdale borough perhaps to reduce the risks of voids in project managing the delivery of several space for a permanent open air market. organisational changes will need to Stakehill Industrial Estate and the new active local team within the RDA delivery over recent years but we are now new developments of the key schemes. The clearance and be considered and the drive to deliver South Heywood link road are, therefore, structure. The team not only engages with encouraging developers to start looking assembly of a major development site Private sector investors are playing their important services in the most effective included in the RDA work programme. local firms but organises access to the at constructing speculative employment Whilst our town centres and traditional adjacent to the new public transport part in the revival of the town centre with manner will continue. Whatever The RDA is also supporting the Council’s specialists financial and other services schemes to satisfy the needs of growing high streets face major challenges with interchange, known as Town Centre new owners of both the Exchange and structural changes take place the RDA pilot Business Rates Discount Scheme available from the businesses. The availability of ready- the changing nature of shopping in the East, has been the recent focus of Wheatsheaf Shopping Centres looking to mission to help create good quality jobs, and some other new “invest to earn” Growth Hub and other regional partners. to-move-in premises can be a major digital age, both Middleton and Heywood attention. The priority for 2015/16 will enhance these facilities and attract new investment and development by working initiatives. This “Team Rochdale” approach is advantage for businesses that are weathered the recession relatively well be to assist the Council and their chosen occupiers. The completion of the new in partnership with like-minded people proving a successful recipe for promoting growing strongly. Construction costs have because of the major investments that development partner, Genr8, to progress Wheatsheaf entrance will greatly enhance from across the public, private and Given the reduced funding and staffing business and employment growth. been rising ahead of rental growth and occurred prior to 2007. Pleasingly we are the Town Centre East scheme towards the approach to the Centre from the south community sectors will remain. resources available to both the Council this has been a constraining factor for seeing renewed investment in and around implementation in 2017. This major retail and, in due course, the integration with and the RDA in 2015/16 and the prospect Attracting new companies to the borough some sites, but momentum is building both these centres. For example, we are and leisure scheme is expected to be the the Town Centre East scheme should John Hudson of further funding pressures on public remains a top priority and we have all and we expect to see Rochdale leading working closely with the new owners of subject of a detailed planning application provide a further boost to trading activity RDA Chief Executive sector partners in 2016/17, the RDA worked hard to ensure that Rochdale has the way again with at least two major the Middleton Shopping Centre, Ellandi, later in the year. and footfall across the main shopping Business Plan seek to prioritise the a first class portfolio of business parks, speculative schemes this year. to support their significant investment area. Other private sector activity projects that are strategically important, both now and looking to the future, to plans in that Centre and an ambitious and A variety of other important aspects of the includes major car products company, offer a realistic prospect of being accommodate a wide variety of growing RDA is also working with Rochdale exciting regeneration scheme is emerging regeneration of Rochdale Town Centre Tetrosyl Ltd., moving their new corporate delivered and will produce significant and relocating businesses. RDA helped Council to explore ways in which we might on the nearby Warwick Mill/London will be progressed by Rochdale Council headquarters and research facilities to

Rochdale - Going for Growth

04 | | 05 Section 1 Section 1

RDA’S MISSION RDA’S VALUES Performance: we are committed to delivering results and The Rochdale Development The RDA places great emphasis take pride Agency (RDA) is the local on our values as an organisation in our achievements. economic development agency and are a key part of whatever for Rochdale borough. Since success we achieve. Our values the RDA was first established are a shared statement of who in 1993 it has retained a we are, what we believe and Integrity: Excellence: Development: clear mission to promote the what we are seeking to achieve we take personal we strive for excellence we are responsibility for our and seek to create an economic well-being of the as an organisation. They committed “To make actions and are open, environment in which to continuous borough by helping to deliver determine how we behave to honest & fair in people can give their Rochdale borough a more prosperous and development and our dealings best and achieve new economic investment, each other within the agency improvement. vibrant place by encouraging economic with others. their potential. development and local jobs. and our conduct with people in investment and supporting business growth.” other organisations.

Respect: we treat people with Our mission: Our values: courtesy & respect and listen to other people’s points of view.

06 | | 07 Section 2 Case Study KEY INFLUENCES Investor’s Coach Tour

Project: To showcase development sites across the borough to a range of developers, investors and agents, to demonstrate that Rochdale is open for business. The Business Plan is influenced Key Influences • Ongoing pressures on public finances and forward new employment stock Critical Success Factors under the Combined Authority an associated need to promote more cost- arrangements Description by factors at the national, sub- • Impact of ongoing public austerity The main influences on the business effective delivery arrangements There are a number of important factors Over 40 guests joined the guided tour which was managed in programmes • Maintaining & fostering an investor- regional and local level. It is also planning process are outlined below: that have been and continue to be critical conjunction with Place North West, with speakers from various friendly environment and a pro-active shaped by current economic and Sub-Regional Factors • Broad political support for greater to the successful delivery of economic and development sites outlining the opportunities. These included approach to regeneration Local Factors delegation of funding & decision-making urban regeneration in Rochdale borough: Tim Heatley from Capital & Centric, owners of Crown Business market conditions, as well as by • Growing influence of the Greater down to the City Region level, with Greater • Maintaining operational capabilities & Park, and Ian Murray from Canmoor, owners of Heywood our understanding of the current • Borough-wide economic regeneration and Manchester Combined Authority with • Pro-active and focussed engagement with Manchester in the vanguard effectiveness during a period of severe Distribution Park. The tour started at Hanson Springs, a local spatial planning strategies increased delegation of funding & private sector developers & investors project commitments that carry financial constraint for all public sector family business that continues to grow and expand, and decision-making from Whitehall to City • Government support for a Northern finished at Asda Wincanton on Kingsway, where Lesley Hall, forward from one financial year into • Town Centre regeneration plans • Close & collaborative working with bodies. Region level under new City Deals Growth Corridor based on the - the HR Manager praised the RDA and Council for its support in Rochdale Council & other public partners the next. Clearly the financial and • Strong evidence of local business Manchester-Leeds-Hull city regions to • Promoting innovative property and developing the site and helping with training and recruitment. • Ongoing opportunities to access sub- organisational pressures arising growth, especially in medium-sized counter-balance the national economy • Fostering constructive public/ investment solutions that unlock the regional sources of finance to support manufacturing companies active in export with Rochdale strategically located on the private partnership working on major potential for growth & development. Benefits & Achievements from ongoing reductions in public local business growth markets M62 corridor. regeneration & development projects Able to show that Rochdale has land and sites available to sector funding are also increasingly • Delivering high quality, relevant, effective • Continuing close engagement with grow. Several meetings have subsequently taken place over • Good supply of high quality employment • Optimising the mutually beneficial and value-for-money services. a factor but the RDA continues the Greater Manchester (GM) Growth sites that had previously had little or no interest, with several sites in motorway-related locations relationship with Greater Manchester bidders now interested in one particular site. to focus on the importance of Company, particularly the GM Growth delivering new investment and • Encouraging levels of inward investment Hub and MIDAS to access their specialist & related property enquiries generated employment. support services by RDA • Scope for Rochdale borough to be a • Council commitment to delivering potential economic growth area within strategically important regeneration wider GM conurbation. projects in various part of the borough National Factors • Opportunities to develop a number of important brown-field regeneration sites • Improving performance of the national in prominent locations economy and progressive revival of the property & construction sectors • Need to progress some longer-term development projects to secure the future • Challenge of rising construction costs economic well-being of the borough ahead of rental growth in bringing

08 | | 09 Section 3 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES & PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

The RDA has identified 5 operational SO1 - ACCELERATING BUSINESS GROWTH priorities that will guide the Agency’s activities over the course Key Actions: • To provide a high quality and bespoke • To promote the attractions of the • To support local employment, of 2015/16. These are designed to investor support service for incoming borough for new development and recruitment & skills development build on the momentum of new • Direct contact with and assistance & firms. pro-actively engage with prospective activities at the borough level. investment, business growth and advice to our local business base investors, especially within the target Key Actions: sectors. Key Actions: development that became more • Promoting capital investment & evident in 2014/15 and to take innovation • Impartial property information & advice Key Actions: • Helping to meet the employment needs full advantage of the supply of SO1 • Supporting the export-led growth of local tailored to the specific needs of investor of existing businesses through general clients • Direct working with property agents advice & signposting to specialist construction-ready sites that we firms and others involved in the property & providers have worked hard with our partners • Securing appropriate finance to support • Coordinated provision of other economic development sector & labour market data to investors & • Supporting initiatives that develop & to provide. growing firms developers • Active working with the regional & enhance the skills of our future workforce • Specific support for growth sectors, sub-regional property media, such as RDA provides an integrated range of including advanced manufacturing, • Guidance & advice on accessing available Business Desk & Place North West • Supporting agencies & activities involved investor and business support services that textiles & logistics. funding to support investment proposal in the recruitment of borough residents to is designed to foster and retain the growth • Undertaking some focused marketing the new jobs being created • Broader business support & advice to of local firms and attract new businesses • Continued close working with the to identified growth sectors, including incoming companies • Supporting the training and development into the area. We work closely with Business Growth Hub, largely through our participation in specific events or sectoral of staff, including promoting individual business clients and our partners dedicated business advisor, to access the • Referrals to other partner agencies publications. apprenticeships specialist advice available to companies providing specialist support services in accordance with the priorities outlined • Improving & developing the RDA’s direct through this service • Making referrals to appropriate skills below. • Support with public relations & media communication with prospective clients, providers via the GM Skills Gateway. • Working with investors & organisations contacts. including through the better use of digital such as the Stockport Trafford & • To improve the productivity & & social media. Rochdale (STaR) public procurement competitiveness of local companies service to promote & support local supply through targeted business support. chain opportunities. Rochdale - Going for Growth

10 | | 11 Case Study SO2: PROMOTING ECONOMIC & EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

• To maintain the momentum of Key Actions: smaller industrial workspace and explore • To support the development of a number • Promote the conversion or redevelopment New manufacturing base for WCCTV Ltd development at Kingsway Business Park opportunities to increase the existing of major mixed-use area regeneration of under-used properties or the Project as a major mixed-use development area. • Support the private developers at stock of premises. schemes in selected locations outside development of vacant sites, especially Crown Business Park in securing new in the identified priority locations of town Recent expansion into new markets has led to the company • Promote the selective redevelopment of the main town centres Key Actions : occupiers for the currently available centres and areas around major public needing to move to larger premises. This will give them global older industrial stock that is no longer units and to encourage further phases of transport nodes. competitive advantage and enable efficiencies to be met from fit-for-purpose as modern employment Key Actions: • Encourage the participation of new development. the new facility based on Kingsway. accommodation, including consideration investors in delivering increased levels of • Promote the redevelopment of the former Description SO2 • Support the speculative construction of of redevelopment options for non- • To identify, evaluate & support development activity, in accordance with Royle Works site occupying a prominent a large unit (95,000 ft2) by developers employment purposes. regeneration opportunities arising Wireless CCTV is a market leading provider of rapidly the new Kingsway Masterplan. and elevated location on Edinburgh Way, a ‘Graftongate’ to complete the built- from the disposal of surplus or under- deployable portable CCTV and surveillance systems, they major gateway into Rochdale town centre • Convert current investment enquiries development of Hareshill Business Park. have achieved great recognition in their field from the Home • To promote the development of new- as a good quality, mixed use scheme. performing public property assets. from business occupiers into successful Office Scientific Development Branch and The Ministry of build employment premises, including development projects. • Support the redevelopment of the former Next Steps: Justice. The Company provides both overt and covert systems • To maintain and support the sustainable speculative schemes to satisfy identified The RDA has worked hard with Rochdale railway sidings land in Castleton as on a sale and rental basis and can provide equipment only • Commence construction of a major new renewal and modernisation of the demand Council and other public and private a mixed employment and residential • Continue to participate in Rochdale or a full turnkey package including site surveys, installation, speculative unit on Plot H. borough’s stock of existing employment partners to create an impressive portfolio scheme. Council’s Strategic Asset Management monitoring and response to meet their customer’s exact • Facilitate the long-term plans of JD premises Key Actions: requirements. of business parks around the borough and steering & working groups in helping to Sports to make Kingsway their European to stimulate and cater for the occupier re-shape the public property estate and The RDA and Business Growth Hub have worked with the distribution hub. Key Actions: • Provide good quality information on • To support the activities of the private dispose of surplus property assets. company in developing their plans for the new site, including demand. A key aim is to retain existing market demand to prospective developers sector in creating new employment- exploring funding opportunities and working with the sources of employment within the borough • Explore opportunities for both • Continue to support the phased with a view to encouraging new creating accommodation, especially in • Continue to work closely with Rochdale commercial leisure and a limited amount Kingsway Partnership to deliver a viable scheme. and attract more and better quality jobs, implementation of the investment investment. our main town centres or in locations Council and other public sector partners working with local partners to ensure that of retail floorspace to enhance the varied strategy for Stakehill Industrial Estate to help evaluate the commercial and Benefits • Evaluate the take-up of the current phase near to major public transport hubs. Kingsway offer. and the related public/private partnership regeneration potential of surplus assets local people are accessing the employment of larger speculative units at ‘Crown and Company have acquired 1.4 acre site alongside the main spine working that RDA has facilitated between prior to properties being presented for opportunities being created. There are • Enable a further phase of housing Hareshill business parks as the basis for Key Actions: road within the business park for their 12,000 sq ft new offices owners, occupiers, developers and disposal in the open market. obvious links to other important local development near the northern entrance potentially promoting further schemes in and manufacturing HQ. 32 jobs will be retained and a further Rochdale Council. initiatives around upgrading the skills of as an extension of the David Wilson the borough. • Maintain support for the scheme to 20 new jobs will be created once the project is complete. the local workforce and the provision of a Homes scheme. • Support the private sector in undertaking refurbish and re-use the former Post • Investigate creative property solutions Office building in Rochdale Town Centre variety of good quality housing within the the refurbishment and modernisation of between the public and private sectors existing employment premises, especially as office and ancillary accommodation, borough. This has been a very successful • To progress the improvement & that help mitigate the risks of undertaking in locations suited to a longer term use for including helping to identify new part of the RDA’s work in previous years and development of the borough’s other speculative schemes, including targeted employment purposes. occupiers for the property. remains a priority in the current business business parks & major employment business rates support and “invest-to- plan, guided by the priorities outlined as sites • Encourage the uptake of vacant earn” type schemes. • Support the phased refurbishment and follows. accommodation within the borough’s occupation of Newgate House as the new existing portfolio of managed offices and corporate headquarters of Tetrosyl Ltd.Ltttd. Rochdale - Going for Growth

12 | | 13 Case Study SO3: DEVELOPING THE INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY NECESSARY FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

• Support efforts to physically improve • Work in partnership with Rochdale • Encourage the early provision of a variety Kingsway Public Transport Initiatives the strategic transport network where Council, Transport for Greater of high speed broadband providers and Project: this directly helps enable business & Manchester (TFGM) and commercial services in major employment locations, There are around 2,000 people working at Kingsway Business employment growth. bus operators to optimise travel to work including Kingsway Business Park and choices for people employed at the our main town centres. Park, and this figure is projected to rise to over 7,000 when • Support public transport investment and boroughs business parks and industrial development is completed. The Kingsway Link Bus Service • Promote environmental sustainability services which improve the connectivity estates. provides an affordable, responsive and reliable service to help messages and BREEAM standards of local residential areas with major people to get to and from work. SO3 • Promote the creation of a new in relation to the borough’s major employment locations, both within the Description connecting highway between employment sites, including a launch borough and across the City Region. Road and Lincoln Street to facilitate the event for the new Kingsway Sustainability The availability of public transport is vital to enable local • Support the progressive development of development of adjacent employment Guide. people to access the new jobs that are being created at sites, improve access to the Rochdale Kingsway Business Park. The Kingsway Link Bus, operated in a high-speed broadband infrastructure • Explore the opportunities for developing a Railway Station park & ride and help partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester provides a covering the wider borough to drive low-carbon employment scheme on a site segregate industrial and residential Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service that passengers Rochdale Council has the primary role for future business growth. within the borough, preferably a brown- traffic in the wider area. can book either online or over the phone. The distinctive silver decisions relating to most of the transport field regeneration site or premises. • Promote the adoption of high and pink liveried minibuses run from 5am until 11pm every and infrastructure network but there • Support Rochdale Council in the phased environmental standards within the • Promote the environmental and health day, picking passengers up at their door and taking them the is an important economic and business roll-out of a superfast broadband benefits of walking, running and cycling, directly to their destination dimension to decisions on new investment. construction & development sectors. network to the identified priority areas including as a means of travelling to and Benefits & Achievements in the borough, under the BT Openreach Similarly Rochdale Council has taken a • Contribute to the development of low- from work, using Kingsway Business Park programme, and the take-up of these The Kingsway Link is now carrying out over 1800 trips per strong lead in the promotion of more energy carbon energy generation schemes, as an exemplar. services by local companies. month to enable Rochdale residents to access jobs at Kingsway efficient construction and development and especially in connection with those Business Park. Couple this with over 8000 passenger journeys in low-carbon energy generation schemes. regeneration schemes that the Agency is per month from the Kingsway Metrolink stop and it can be The Council’s award-winning Number One helping to deliver. seen that Kingsway Business Park is a very accessible place to Riverside development received a BREEAM work. Excellent designation and the adjacent Key Actions: small hydro-power scheme provides a significant proportion of the energy used in • Work closely with Rochdale Council in the new bus station. coordinating the delivery of major new road linking M62 Junction 19 with the South Heywood employment areas. RDA seeks to support these borough wide • Support the Kingsway Partnership in programmes in relation to the individual maintaining the community bus transport projects that we are involved in delivering service that connects the business park and as part of our commitment to promoting with residential neighbourhoods in the sustainable economic development. The Kingsway employment catchment area. following priorities are reflected in our Rochdale - Going for Growth work:

14 | | 15 Case Study SO4: TRANSFORMING OUR TOWN CENTRES Town Centre East proposals

encourage private investment in these • Work with the owners of the Exchange productive use. Assembly & Clearance of areas. However, at this point in time there Shopping Centre in progressing their • Foster & assist private sector investment Town Centre East Development Area is a major focus on Rochdale town centre investment plans for the Centre, & development projects that support the Project: as we seek to provide many more reasons including re-occupying the space vacated wider regeneration plans for the town for people to visit, shop, spend their leisure by the former indoor market. The demolition of The Municipal Offices (Black Box) and centre. attached Bus Station and Multi storey Car Park and the time and generally enjoy our largest town • Support improvements to the public demolition of the former Broadwater Centre and the former centre. We are guided by the following • Help establish vibrant & viable markets realm within the central area, St Andrews Church on Smith Street. SO4 general objectives and particular priorities within the central area as part of integrating and enhancing the various Description for each of the town centres. creating an attractive & distinctive offer development schemes and creating for the town centre. This was a complex demolition of a 14 story officeblock, suitable venues for open-air activities. • Progressively regenerate our town 8 storey car park, bus station and associated bridge links, • Promote the attractions of the town centres as the focus of the borough’s • Support initiatives designed to bring within the town centre surrounded by live roads and centre as an office location and support economic, social and cultural life. empty and under-used properties within involving bridges that were attached to private owners initiatives designed to convert unviable RDA continues to play a major role in the primary shopping area back into property. The demolition of the Broadwater Centre involved • Work cooperatively with major investors retail floorspace for alternative uses. developing and then implementing the archeological recording of the former & stakeholders on the regeneration and comprehensive regeneration plans for swimming pools dating back to 1868 revival of our town centres. our main town centres, often acting before demolition. on behalf of Rochdale Council but also Rochdale Benefits & Achievements working in association with a wide variety The sites are now sucessfully cleared of partners and stakeholders in these • Work with Rochdale Council and other and is now mainly in use as temporary areas. Community consultation is also stakeholders in updating & revising the car parking with the former Municipal an important aspect of the Council and medium-term strategy for Rochdale Offices Site is currently being used as a RDA’s approach, especially when periods Town Centre. temporary home for the Market. of significant change are anticipated. In • Maintain & expand the work of the Rochdale town centre, for example, a new Rochdale Town Centre (RTC) Programme consultation hub has been established by Management Centre to coordinate all the the Council in the vacant “Bar 5” property main town centre regeneration activities. on South Parade and over the next two years this will provide a base for a series • Complete the clearance & assembly of of consultation events with the local the development site for the planned community as further major regeneration Town Centre East (TCE) major retail & • Work with Rochdale Council and Genr8 in • Complete the construction of the new schemes come forward. leisure scheme. bringing forward the major Town Centre pedestrian entrance into the Wheatsheaf • Coordinate the temporary use of the East development and progressing the Centre and work with the new owners In the past the RDA has been very active vacant sites within the town centre, scheme towards implementation. on their future investment plans for the in Heywood and particularly in Middleton pending their redevelopment. Centre. town centre and the Agency continues to

16 | | 17 Key Actions: within The Butts area, revealing the “Morrisons represents a key milestone in the Middleton mediaeval bridges and creating an delivery of this exciting mixed use project we • Finalise the details of the Town Centre attractive setting of public open space. are working to bring to the town centre, which • Work with the owners of the Middleton East scheme and related legal and will also include a café / wine bar facing towards • Provide support to the relocation and Shopping Centre on their investment & financial matters. The Butts. We are currently in discussions with establish a permanent open-air market improvement plans for the Centre. potential occupiers to turn this project into a • Progress the detailed design and within The Butts area, immediately reality. From the outset, Rochdale Council’s • Review the regeneration strategy for supplementary information necessary alongside the reopened river. planning team and the Rochdale Development the Fountain Street area given that to submit a detailed planning application • Support the successful delivery of the Agency have been really supportive and have the developer-led Middleton triangle for the TCE scheme as a mixed retail & Council’s pilot Business Rates Discount helped make this happen.” scheme is no longer being progressed as leisure development before the end of Scheme designed to encourage the Richard Ward, Millerbrook Properties Ltd. a single, comprehensive scheme. 2015. re-occupation of presently vacant retail • Work with Genr8 to complete the properties on Lower Yorkshire Street, • Support the Council & Township in detailed contractual agreements with The Walk and South Parade. progressing further public investment the main anchor tenants and support within the central area. • Promote the take-up of other vacant the negotiations with other prospective units within the main town centre area, • Foster a beneficial relationship between occupiers to secure their participation in including the Post Office conversion the town centre and the emerging the TCE scheme. scheme and the vacant unit on the ground regeneration scheme for Warwick Mill, • Complete the contract with Styles & Wood floor of . including the pedestrian links across the to construct the new entrance, lifts and • Produce & distribute a revised version of Oldham Road carriageway. escalators into the Wheatsheaf Shopping the Medium Term Action Plan to prioritise Centre. & guide the comprehensive regeneration Heywood • Support Rochdale Council in delivering proposals for the town centre. the project to re-open the River Roch • Support the productive redevelopment of the former Mossfield School site. • Coordinate and support the implementation of the movement Littleborough strategy for the town centre. • Facilitate the redevelopment of the Carlisle IT site for retail use, principally by assisting the company to relocate to “The opportunity to acquire Newgate House came along at a time when we had to make an alternative site within the borough. the decision to move and we are very pleased to have acquired the building. The response and support we have received from Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency has been first class”. Peter Schofield, Group Chairman, Tetrosyl Ltd. 18 | | 19 Case Study SO5: INVESTING IN OUR HERITAGE ASSETS Rochdale Town Hall Project: Rochdale Town Hall was designed between 1863 and 1871 by William Crossland, and opened in 1871. The building has been in continuous use for civic and municipal purposes since it was first built, although the functions of the interior rooms have altered. Following the move to Number One Riverside, Rochdale Borough Council sought a sustainable new use for the Town Hall. SO5 Description RDA was commissioned by Rochdale Borough Council (RBC) to manage a major feasibility study into the restoration & sustainable future use of this magnificent Grade I Listed Building. The Study was informed by a detailed appraisal of the historical & architectural significance of the external fabric and the nationally • Coordinate & lead the phased recognised interior spaces & decoration. Close dialogue was maintained with English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. implementation of the agreed long-term regeneration strategy for the Grade I RBC has endorsed a preferred strategy to guide the progressive Rochdale Town Hall, including managing restoration & re-use of the building. The aim is to build on the Great Hall’s existing role as a venue & events space but to broaden the submission of external funding bids & enhance the facilities on offer to a regional audience. A public to support the refurbishment and re-use engagement programme will now commence on the proposal. of this landmark building. RBC is currently spending £1.4m in essential improvement works. Key Actions: RDA is coordinating the work programme & a future HLF bid. Benefits & Achievements • Coordinate implementation of the short- • Establishing a broad consensus on the way forward for this term improvement works to Rochdale nationally recognised, landmark building. Town Hall, ensuring compatibility with restoration and productive re-use of the Key actions: • Work with the Hong-Kong based investor/ the medium term revitalisation and Town Hall as a major events & hospitality developer and MIDAS to integrate the • Providing a detailed understanding of the heritage significance. conservation plan for this iconic Grade1 venue, conferencing centre, community • Monitor & support the work of the private project into Greater Manchester, Rochdale • Establishing an accurate understanding of current costs & listed building. facility and visitor attraction. investors and their advisors in taking the borough and Middleton and to income generated by the facility as the basis for a new business forward the detailed proposals, initially optimise the wider economic development plan. • Undertake further community • Support the emerging private-sector in terms of a planning application and benefits of this substantial inward consultation activities regarding the proposals to regenerate the vacant • Working with specialist consultants to develop a short, medium accompanying listed building consent various town centre regeneration investment. & long term approach to the restoration and future use of this Warwick Mill, a Grade II Listed Building application. schemes, taking advantage of the new on the edge of Middleton Town Centre, • To contribute to the regeneration & building. consultation hub established at the and the adjacent London House office • Provide advice on the development restoration of some selected areas of the • With RBC, developing a sustainable forward plan that retains former Bar 5 property on South Parade. process and market demand to help block for a major mixed-use scheme. borough that contain a concentration of public access & stewardship of this prize heritage asset but creates foster the long-term success of this major • Prepare a major funding bid to the important heritage buildings, working a more vibrant mix of uses within and around the building that regeneration scheme. Heritage Lottery Fund towards the phased closely with Rochdale Council. can be enjoyed by many more people.

20 | | 21 Section 4 The Business Plan translates the broader outcomes. Many of the projects being delivered by objectives for 2015/16 into a number of RDA will fulfil more than one strategic objective. BUSINESS PLAN SUMMARY operational priorities and tasks that are intended The primary overall goal is to increase the PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION to deliver a range of measurable and beneficial economic growth and performance of Rochdale results (“outputs”) and achieve identified borough. This process is illustrated below.

OBJECTIVES

ACCELERATING PROMOTING ECONOMIC & DEVELOPING THE INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSFORMING INVESTING IN OUR BUSINESS GROWTH EMPLOYMENT GROWTH & CONNECTIVITY FOR GROWTH OUR TOWN CENTRES HERITAGE ASSETS The Business Plan translates The RDA prides itself on being a nimble and There are separate and more detailed risk the broader objectives for adaptable organisation, so there is some Delivery Plan evaluation and management procedures PRIORITIES flexibility to respond to the external factors that operate at the project level in physical, economic and business The RDA delivery Plan converts the • Promote the borough to prospective investors • Pro-actively engage with owners and prospective • Support improvements to strategic transport • Progress next phases in the regeneration of • Coordinate delivery of the revitalisation plans for and new opportunities that arise during accordance with good practice models. • Generate & handle the resulting investment investors & developers network Rochdale Town centre the Grade I* listed Rochdale Town Hall development into a series of the year. However, RDA’s limited staffing Business Plan into a detailed work Given the complexities and public safety enquiries • Maintain the momentum of development & • Support transport initiatives linking local people • Work with Genr8, to bring forward a major retail & • Support private sector to regenerate the Grade II programme and staffing resources are • Provide bespoke property service to inward investment at Kingsway Business Park with jobs leisure scheme listed Warwick Mill in Middleton priorities for action over the resources are more or less fully allocated issues associated with the Rochdale Town allocated against the identified project investors • Implement next phase of Stakehill estate • Support the expansion of high-speed broadband & • Progress selected regeneration schemes in • Support Rochdale Council in implementing the course of the year. These broader to the known business plan priorities and Centre (RTC) regeneration programme, the • Actively engage with local firms & support improvement plan. business take-up. Middleton, Heywood & Littleborough town centres. River Roch reopening scheme any new initiatives may have implications and service priorities. Organisational RDA’s Programme Management Centre has agencies • Support private sector in improving & developing • Promote high environmental standards in built- • Support ongoing improvements to the public realm • Support Rochdale & other partners to find objectives are discussed and implications are also considered, for • Provide bespoke solutions for growing companies the borough’s other business parks developments • Support actions to bring vacant properties back commercially viable uses for important heritage for schemes that are not contractually established additional risk evaluation and • Enable access of local to finance advice & support • Promote the development of new employment • Promote low-carbon energy generation schemes into a productive use assets. shared with the RDA Board and committed, unless new resources can be example in terms of any staff development mitigation procedures for this area of work. • Provide access to targeted help with exporting,skill premises • Promote good quality development schemes around • Foster private sector investment & development • Support area-based initiatives that help restore and training needs that may arise. There training, recruitment & business innovation • Support the redevelopment of urban sites for major transport hubs & along major movement schemes important groups of heritage buildings Rochdale Council as our primary identified. are detailed sub-programmes for major • Identify or create new business & trading appropriate employment purposes or mixed-use corridors • Support plans for new & improved markets as part funder but also with other partners opportunities for local firms schemes of wider regeneration plans projects such as Kingsway Business Park, Democratic Accountability and stakeholders as the business Prioritisation & Rochdale Town Centre and increasingly OUTPUTS planning process moves forward. Coordinated Delivery South Heywood. The Business Plan is the foundation for • Companies attracted & assisted to relocate into • New inward investment & development projects • Planning application for new Heywood Link Road • Complete the construction of the new Wheatsheaf • Complete Heritage Lottery Fund bid for Rochdale the Agency’s work programme and this is the borough brought to Kingsway • Expanded coverage of high-speed broadband entrance Town Hall Both the RDA Board and Rochdale • Companies in target growth sectors attracted to • New employment floorspace created for known • Strong take-up of next generation broadband • Submit detailed planning application for the Town • Important heritage assets retained & improved Council jointly and formally At an operational level the RDA collaborates Risk Management formally endorsed by the Council’s Cabinet. the borough occupiers or on a speculative basis services amongst SME’s Centre East scheme • New heritage assets created However, throughout the year the RDA • Companies assisted to grow, modernise or expand • Local residents supported to access the new jobs • New energy-generation project implemented • Vacant retail space within main town centre • Vacant or underused floorspace brought back into endorse the final Business Plan. with the Council on the prioritisation • Existing jobs safeguarded and/or new jobs created being created within the borough • High environment standards (BREAM) achieved on shopping streets re-occupied with appropriate uses productive use and forward planning of the full range of presents regular reports to various Council At the Business Plan level the main high- • Local companies benefiting from investment within • Existing employment floorspace converted/improved new projects • Heritage projects fully integrated into broader town physical development schemes undertaken and Township committees and there is a the borough • New private & public investment secured centre regeneration plans level risks are reported to the RDA Board each year. Indeed, the RDA provides a formal review each quarter by the Council’s as part of the business planning process, coordination service via its Programme Overview & Scrutiny Committee. OUTCOMES along with the steps to be taken to mitigate Management Centre for major programmes INCREASE IN : • Footfall & business activity within REDUCTION IN: • Business costs & inefficiencies these risks. A separate Risk Report • Economic & capital investment borough’s town centres • Vacant & under-used land • CO2 emissions of development and related funding activity, A separate RMBC Grant Agreement accompanies the approved Business Plan • Business growth & productivity • Local economic & employment base • Vacant floorspace in town centres • Heritage buildings at risk such as in Rochdale Town Centre. identifies the obligations and expectations • New & retained employment expanded & diversified • Local levels of unemployment and is considered by the Board at the start • Existing buildings brought into that the Council places on the RDA each • Business rates base within the of the new financial year. Any significant borough productive use year in return for their grant funding of the or escalating risks may be identified for Agency’s activities. The key performance IMPACT particular attention by the RDA Board measures are agreed with Rochdale Council INCREASE IN ROCHDALE BOROUGH’S ECONOMIC GROWTH & PERFORMANCE during the year.

22 | | 23 at the start of each financial year and then Performance Measures resources that Rochdale Council and other A distinction is drawn between those The performance targets for 2015/16 impact of one-off factors last year, some The RDA also establishes a number of other progress reports to the Council’s Overview monitored throughout the year. partners have available to support the indicators that reflect some important have been increased to reflect the short term pressures on the local supply operational performance measures that are & Scrutiny Committee. work programme, past performance and areas of RDA activity and/or our indirect increased levels of investment activity of property because of the strong recent related to the key milestones and outcomes The RDA’s performance measures for The RDA has a strong commitment to the pressures to deliver certain priority involvement and those that are directly in the broader national economy and in take-up of vacant premises, the reduced that we expect to meet or achieve during 2015/16 are established by the Board in engaging with the local community and projects that may not necessarily generate related to the Agency’s performance as the Greater Manchester city region and staffing resources available to the RDA the course of the financial year. These are close dialogue with Rochdale Council. A informing local people about the projects a measurable performance indicator. an organisation promoting economic RDA’s performance last year. However, and our partners and the prospect of some reported to the RDA Board on a quarterly number of factors are taken into account which the Agency is undertaking on behalf development and business growth. some caution needs to be exercised in organisational changes. basis and these detailed performance including the overall level of resources of the borough. We listen and respond These are shown in the tables below. setting the new targets because of the schedules are included in the regular available to the Agency, the level of to any queries generation by these local consultations and pro-actively provide up- to-date information, increasingly through At a glance targets for 2015/16 our web-sites and other digital media. Key Performance Indicators Performance Management 2015/16 2014/15 & Monitoring Target Achievements Number of companies assisted with growth plans 60 67 607 18 350 The Agency produces quarterly progress Number of successful inward investment projects 7 9 and performance reports to the RDA Number of local companies successfully relocating and/or expanding within the borough 18 28 Board. The Board scrutinises the Agency’s Number of jobs safeguarded by assisted companies 350 465 performance against the important Number of new jobs created by assisted companies or projects 250 328 Number of companies assisted Number of successful inward Number of local companies Number of jobs safeguarded by milestones and targets identified in the Total level of public sector investment secured or spent on RDA assisted projects £9m £9.15m with growth plans investment projects successfully relocating and/or assisted companies Business Plan and considers any actions expanding within the borough that are needed to respond to under- Total level of private sector investment generated by RDA assisted projects £22m £15.48m performance, current pressures or new opportunities.

These internal RDA reports are also used Other RDA Activity Measures as the basis of regular progress reporting 2015/16 2014/15 to Rochdale Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Target Achievements Committee and to the relevant portfolio- Total number of enquiries received and handled by the RDA 200 228 £22m holder reports presented by RBC Cabinet 250200 28 Number of inward investment projects (i.e. relocating into the borough) not directly assisted by RDA 15 22 Members to the full Council meetings. A Number of companies/investors referred to partner support agencies 50 56 fuller performance report is provided at the 2 year-end. Amount of floorspace (m ) built on projects (including mixed use schemes) assisted by RDA 35,000 55,000 Amount of floorspace (m2) refurbished on projects assisted by RDA 10,000 16,200 Number of new jobs created by Total number of enquiries Total level of private sector Total level of private sector assisted companies or projects received and handled by investment generated by RDA investment generated by RDA the RDA assisted projects assisted projects

24 | | 25 Section 5 Section 6 FUNDING & RESOURCES ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES & CHANGES

RDA receives grant funding from The majority of the Agency’s activities are Over the course of 2015/16 Production of the annual Business Plan RDA have agreed to undertake a broader development within the RDA, including Rochdale Council to provide a range now encompassed within the operations of INCOME EXPENDITURE Rochdale Council and RDA have plays an important part in establishing review of delivery arrangement during the through coaching & mentoring the main RDA parent company. The table an agreed agenda with our sponsors and first quarter of the financial year. of core economic development £ £ been discussing the future shape • Implementing specific staff training & below provides our best estimation as to the partners for the year ahead and guiding the Meanwhile the main organisational development, informed by the business RBC 651,217 Salaries 743,725 services and deliver a programme projected financial position for the RDA over of economic development and preparation of a more detailed delivery plan priorities for the year will include: plan and personal development plans of important regeneration projects. 2015/16, comparing this with the previous Kingsway 121,307 Office costs 173,179 related services within the borough. that allocates the available resources to the (PDP’s) for individual staff • Completing the review of RDA staff terms year’s outturn accounts. The financial Town Centres 194,000 Marketing 49,000 priority tasks, leaving some limited scope to There is additional funding to The context for these discussions & conditions • Continuing the staff-led initiative that position is regularly monitored by the RDA Other 2,000 respond to new opportunities or challenges. looks at ways of improving the efficiency support the RDA’s specialist has necessarily embraced the • Continuing our ongoing succession Board at each quarterly board meeting. Previous business plans have proved and cost-effectiveness of working Programme Management Centre Council’s own internal structures relatively robust but, given the current level planning at both Board and Executive level 968,524 965,904 practices & procedures operations that coordinate and rationalisation of services given of uncertainties, Rochdale Council and the • Progressing leadership and management There are separate and independent SURPLUS 2,620 the complex and inter-related accounts published for the RDA’s two the ongoing impact of reducing

implementation activities taking subsidiary companies, although our public sector funding and the wider place across Rochdale town centre. development arm, Pennine Land Ltd, public sector reform agenda. This is no longer a trading entity following review process has not yet produced completion of the award-winning Number This core funding is supplemented by some One Riverside development. The other a definitive outcome but the value external revenue support from Wilson RDA subsidiary company, Park Road of the RDA approach to the local Bowden under the Kingsway Partnership Developments Ltd., owns and manages a economic regeneration agenda is delivery arrangements, whereby RDA single office building in Middleton (Brook recognised. hosts the web-site and provides a range of House) that was vacant throughout most of centralised support services for this public/ 2014/15 but is now jointly occupied by the private partnership behind the delivery of Pennine Care Trust and Rochdale Council’s this major development area. Legal Services.

26 | | 27 | 29 John HudsonJohn Council Leader Council Chief Executive Councillor Richard Farnell Richard Councillor Paul SimkissPaul Chris Gilmartin Chris Fletcher Peter SchofieldPeter Chairman Phil EwbankPhil Julie BowmerJulie Steve KuncewiczSteve Rumbelow Steve Section 8

Kingsway Kingsway Business Park M6 2 Newhey

Stakehill Stakehill Industrial Estate A 640 A Lake A 633 Hollingworth J21 Kingsway Business Park Kingsway Business Milnrow Pennines A663 Bridge Smithy A 671 Wardle

27(M) J20 6 A Estate Industrial Stakehill

Rochdale

A 669 A M62 Castleton J19

A 6046 A 576 A

Middleton A 6045 A

A 680 Heywood

M66

2 M6 Heap Bridge Section 7 A GLANCE AT KEY LOCATIONS MEMBERS BOARD RDA Heywood Distribution Park Heywood Distribution Park Distribution Heywood 28 | Discover more online, visit:

www.investinrochdale.co.uk www.kingsway-business-park.com www.rochdaletowncentre.com

Twitter:

@KingswayBPRochdale @rochdalecentre

Rochdale Development Agency, Floor 3 - Number One Riverside, Smith St, Rochdale, OL16 1XU Tel: 01706 868999