An empty building on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale could be transformed into 21 apartments under new plans submitted by Alam Investments.
St James Place, on the outskirts of the town centre, has been vacant for around eight years. The developer wants to create a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, each with its own living, dining and kitchen space.
Heritage considerations
Although St James Place is not a historically significant building itself, it did house the Socialist Institute when it was built in the 1990s. A heritage statement was required for this planning application due to the Grade II listed St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church being nearby.
Plans explain that only internal changes would be made to the building, ensuring a ‘sensitive and appropriate reuse of the building’.
Planning application details
Planning papers state: “The building has been vacant for approximately eight years and is in need of investment and reuse. The proposed scheme will bring the property back into productive use, provide much-needed housing in a sustainable location, and contribute positively to the vitality and regeneration of Rochdale town centre.”
The planning department at Rochdale council will review the application and decide on the matter in the coming months.
