Exciting plans for next phase of Spinning Point released

Exciting plans on the future of Rawtenstall town centre have been released, which include new leisure and retail units, a hotel and attractive public space.

Following a planning application submission by Rossendale Borough Council and Barnfield Investment Properties in December 2017, the design team has enhanced the originally submitted scheme to address comments from consultees, including Historic England and local individuals.

The amended scheme includes:

• A varied roof line to reflect the local roofscape; and the design of the new bus station and refurbished town hall;
• A series of subtle setbacks within the buildings to ensure the development appears as a collection of buildings rather than one large individual unit;
• Active frontages on all outward facing elevations, providing attractive views from the street into the retail and leisure units;
• Strong visual and physical connections to Bank Street, Kay Street and Bacup Road to encourage movement between wider areas; and
• A large public open space, designed using a simple palette of materials to complement local heritage sites.

The proposal for a mixed-use development on the former Valley Centre site, includes leisure, hotel, housing and commercial uses set around a large, attractive public space suitable for hosting a wide range of exciting events and attractions.

Residents, local business owners and visitors are encouraged to comment on the proposed development. Comments can be made online using reference number: 2017/0617.

An Information Drop in Session will also be held at Longholme Methodist Church on Wednesday 28^th February from 4pm until 7pm. The Design Team will be available to answer questions and explain the proposed development with everybody welcome.

Spinning Point, Phase 2 will follow the construction of the new bus station, which is on track to be completed by the end of 2018; and the refurbishment of the former Town Hall. New windows have recently been installed as part of the renovation and the interior fit-out is now taking place, ready to be occupied by Together Housing in Summer 2018.

Councillor, Andrew MacNae, said of the revised plans:

Spinning Point is a multimillion pound development that is naturally generating lots of public interest. We want the scheme to be right for Rawtenstall and the people that live, work and visit here so encourage everyone to have their say.

The revised designs show that we are listening and taking all comments and suggestions on board to make the scheme the best it can be.

With Phase 1 well underway, it’s exciting to see the next stage beginning to take shape. The impressive retail and leisure offer that Rawtenstall and the wider valley will soon have really is something to look forward to.

New images and a fly-through video of the plans can be viewed here.

Councillor Andy MacNae has also updated on Spinning Point progress in his latest video blog.