Nearly 90 households remain in Rochdale's Seven Sisters tower blocks, formally known as College Bank, as residents await a decision on whether the buildings will be demolished or refurbished. The future of the 1960s estate has been uncertain for a decade, with all residents expected to move out regardless of the outcome.
Claire Lord, 56, is among the latest residents preparing to leave her flat in the Mardyke block. She has been ready to move for weeks but has yet to receive a move-in date for a bungalow across the road, behind Lidl. RBH told her about the move approximately four months ago, but delays have occurred because the previous occupant had not maintained the property.
"They've had to do painting and decorating, rewiring, putting new doors on and a fresh kitchen," Lord explained. "Every time I've gone down they've come up with more work and more work to do. I've been down every week to ask. It's always the same story - 'something is being done'. I've still not got a move-in date, I think I'll be told about a move-in date in four weeks."
Residents express frustration over lack of communication
Lord expressed reluctance about leaving, citing the security, views, proximity to healthcare and the community as what she cherishes most. "I do love living here. The security is good and there isn't much chance of you getting burgled," she said. "But my biggest fear of moving is losing that security. I've been here for 12 years and I've never had any trouble, it's a good community. If I could stay I would. It's not good for my mental health."
Her friend Christine Hartley, 67, who has lived in the Tentercroft block for 14 years, has not accepted any new accommodation from RBH. She is waiting for a 'like for like replacement', which she admits is unlikely given the size of her two-bed flat. "Why should we have to move out when they won't tell us what they're doing with the flats? It doesn't make sense," she said. "They sent a letter last week saying they've still not made a decision. But I think they have made a decision, but they just don't want us to know what it is."
Hartley's partner Roy Kitcher said they thought the Tentercroft flat would be their forever home after moving in when they were at risk of becoming homeless. "We love it here," he said. "It's right next to the town centre, the doctors are down the road, the chemist is down the road. It's spacious and we have everything we need right here. Why should we have to move?"
Campaigners allege 'managed decline'
Mark Slater, campaign organiser for Save the Seven Sisters (ST7S), claims RBH has deliberately overseen the degradation of the blocks, describing it as 'managed decline'. "I am frustrated to the point of anger that we've got a situation where we are listening to RBH saying no decision has been made," he said. "But everything is pointing towards a decision under the radar and proceeding with a demolition agenda."
RBH has vehemently denied these accusations. The housing provider has repeatedly stated it is committed to supporting all residents in their transitions from the blocks.
Slater argues that funding structures favour new build projects over refurbishment, making demolition more financially viable. "Ever since 2016 one of the things that hundreds of people have asked is 'why do they need to demolish them'," he said. "The reason is because there is funding available for new build projects, but no funding available for refurbishments."
Safety concerns and regulatory action
In summer 2020, investigations at College Bank uncovered serious problems with 'compartmentation' at Seven Sisters flats, which is designed to prevent fire spreading between apartments. RBH introduced a 24-hour waking watch plus bespoke fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems as a result.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) issued enforcement notices against RBH on four of the tower blocks - Dunkirk Rise, Mitchell Hey, Tentercroft and Town Mill Brow. The notices, issued last summer, said the landlord had failed to 'take proportionate measures to manage the risk of spread of fire created by compartmentation issues'.
Last October, RBH cited safety concerns regarding structural and electrical issues, problems with the water pumping system, roof damage and increasing costs as reasons for the move. The Mitchell Hey block was evacuated in March 2026 after a water pipe burst.
Siobhan McCoy, director of property services at RBH, said: "The safety of our customers is our absolute priority. We wrote to all College Bank customers about these notices when they were first issued by the BSR more than a year ago, setting out what they meant and offering opportunities for people to speak directly with us."
She added: "We strongly reject any suggestion that there has been a managed decline at College Bank. Throughout this period, we have continued to maintain the buildings, and will spend at least £985k this year to carry out repairs and maintenance."
Decision expected following independent review
An independent review of the surveys, commissioned by Rochdale council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), is expected to produce findings in the coming weeks. These will be presented to the next taskforce meeting, after which RBH will make a decision on the future of the blocks, with the taskforce having a say.
Hannah Fleming, director of regeneration and asset improvement at RBH, said: "It's important that we make the right decision on the future of College Bank; not necessarily the fastest decision. Our focus throughout has been on doing the right thing for current and future customers, ensuring we can provide safe, warm, affordable homes that meet housing needs for generations to come."
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said: "Tenants have been left in limbo for far too long and I hope that they can be given the answers they need about the safety and the future of their homes. I urge RBH to act as swiftly as possible to bring this to a conclusion on behalf of all Rochdale residents during a housing emergency."
RBH has admitted it costs £1.7m every year in council tax payments for the empty flats, with council tax bills increasing the longer a property remains empty. The latest findings on the tower blocks' structural integrity are expected to inform the final decision on whether the Seven Sisters will be demolished or refurbished.
