Residents of the College Bank estate, locally referred to as the Seven Sisters, are fiercely committed to remaining in their homes. They are holding the tide against complex redevelopment plans that have generated tremendous grassroots community outrage. The estate is seven blocks and home to more than 700 social flats. It has overlooked and proudly defined the Rochdale skyline since its development in the 1960s.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), the provider of the College Bank estate, has found itself on the defensive in this ongoing debate. In 2023, RBH completed a forward deal with Legal & General Affordable Housing to fund the refurbishment of the current Council flats. That agreement expired earlier this year. Regretfully, we never found a feasible path forward for how the estate could be redeveloped. After plans for redevelopment were first announced in 2017, hundreds of residents chose to leave their homes and relocate permanently. Now, fewer than 230 apartments are still occupied.
Amanda Newton, chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, described the decision-making process as “a very difficult decision that is wholly focused on ensuring the long-term safety of the customers in College Bank.” Though the organization has long claimed that safety concerns with the blocks were a main concern pushing its plans for redevelopment,
Many of the long-time residents are fiercely resistant to these changes. Ann Jones, who has lived in Dunkirk Rise on College Bank estate for around 20 years, firmly stated, “We’re not going anywhere – we’re staying put.” She characterized her flat as “a comfortable flat with fantastic views” and condemned the proposed plans as “a despicable move that has been done to the estate.”
Billy Jackson, who has lived in the Tentercroft tower block for 37 years, shared her frustrations. He expressed his unwillingness to relocate, saying, “I don’t want to move and I will fight like crazy to stay in my flat.” Jackson’s determination is indicative of a growing attitude among constituents who believe that their houses are in danger.
Mark Slater, chairman of the Campaign to Save the Seven Sisters, called the redevelopment plans “intensely misguided.” He suggested that the lack of a clear solution hints at “a pre-determined decision to demolish the buildings and we will not accept that.” This quote really highlights the pushback from different local community members that are mobilizing to fight against possible displacement.
The situation surrounding College Bank estate highlights significant tensions between safety concerns and residents’ desires to remain in their homes. As conversations persist, a great many advocate or become advocates with no idea what will happen to this storied section of Rochdale.
