An office block that has stood empty for eight years on the edge of Rochdale town centre is set to be converted into 21 new apartments. Developer Alam Investments has secured planning permission to transform St James Place on Yorkshire Street into a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, each with its own living, dining and kitchen space.
Internal-only conversion planned
According to the developers, only internal changes are planned for the building, making it a 'sensitive and appropriate reuse of the building'. Although St James Place is not historically significant itself, it housed the Socialist Institute when it was built in the 1990s.
Heritage considerations
A heritage statement was required for the application because the Grade II-listed St Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church is located nearby. Planning papers noted the building had been vacant for approximately eight years and was in need of investment and reuse.
The proposals aim to bring the property back into productive use, provide housing in a sustainable location, and contribute to the vitality and regeneration of Rochdale town centre.
