A notorious Rochdale van breakers yard, long known more for rusting car husks than architectural flair, is about to get a facelift, as plans to redevelop the Corporation Road site are receiving strong support from planning officials and locals alike.
Mohammed Saeed has submitted proposals to demolish one of the existing dilapidated structures on the site, located opposite the First Manchester Bus Depot, and replace it with two shiny new industrial units that won’t look like the set of Mad Max: M62 Drift.
The proposal includes a 10-metre-tall building with around 340 square metres of ground floor space, subdivided into two units ideal for general industrial or distribution use. One of the current buildings will be retained, presumably the one not actively trying to collapse.
The area is already a hotspot for warehouses and industrial premises, and planning officers have practically cheered the idea of replacing the scrapyard, describing it as “an eyesore” and “a significant betterment”, a rare bit of council-speak that roughly translates to “thank heavens, it’s finally going.”
The design has been described as “cohesively modern,” featuring grey steel panels, anthracite doors and trim, and “visual interest” along the front elevation, a phrase seldom used about anything on Corporation Road. Planners assure the makeover will not only fit into the surrounding commercial vibe, but may actually make it look like someone cares what Rochdale looks like from that side of town.
The open-plan units will include bathrooms, always handy, and be left otherwise unfinished for future occupants to customise. This means any number of small businesses, from logistics firms to ironic gin workshops, could set up shop.
The application has been recommended for approval with conditions, likely including the requirement that no more knackered vans be stored on-site like dystopian garden ornaments.
From down the M62, we applaud this development, turning scrapyard sorrow into modern industrial promise. And with any luck, the only thing breaking down on Corporation Road soon will be your Wi-Fi, not your axle.
