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At Heywood Township on Monday 19th May, the 'ideas for change' for Back O'Th' Moss and South of the Town Centre and Heywood Town Centre were endorsed. What this means is that we will now start working up a delivery mechanism to demonstrate how we can regenerate Heywood for the benefit of the current and future residents. We will radically transform the two least sustainable communities in the town to reverse the decline in population we have experienced over the last twenty years.

Over the next 15 years this will mean ...

- Over 310 new affordable homes will be built, some for rent and some for shared ownership

- A further 250 homes built for sale

- Demolition of some houses and businesses to make way for new housing

- Working with Private sector land owners who have expressed a wish to move out of their premises

- Utilising the skills and knowledge of local people to develop mixed tenure sustainable communities

We would like residents from accross the town to work with the delivery team to deliver these radical changes to ensure the sustainability of the town and increase the population by providing a better choice and quality of housing for Heywood and its residents.

Other Updates ...

As you may you know the Heywood SUN proposals were endorsed by Heywood Township on 19th May. In order to continue momentum, RMBC Strategic Housing have agreed to continue their financial support for the central team for a limited period, and have asked Peter Woodhouse to continue his role in helping to manage the project  until such a time as the proposed new Director post has been appointed. He will be devoting up to two days a week to this task. Deborah Beagin will of course continue to devote most of her time to progressing the project.

The overall staffing structures for the Heywood Team (and other area regeneration projects) will go to RMBC Cabinet on 14th July, after which we will have more clarity on staffing and funding for the whole team. A detailed report on Delivering the Heywood SUN will then be prepared for the Township meeting in September (including staffing, funding and governance).

We have been working on a revised Project/Delivery Plan and an Action Plan with timelines, so that we can be clear on where we are going and what the role of services and partners could be. Since is clear that the Heywood Team will not be fully in place until the end of the year at least, it is probably also wise to to keep other services informed and involved through an Interim Working Group.

For the time being, the Heywood SUN office is based on the first floor of the HHP Building on Pine Street, Heywood. Telephone contact is through Deborah 01706 692005; or Peter Woodhouse 07773 608 615.

Where It Was Up To ...

The landscape of Heywood could change dramatically with the introduction of a joint partnership plan called Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods, or SUN for short.

The plans set out ideas to change several areas of Heywood to encourage growth, as well as improving employment and leisure prospects, along with the environment for the town, over the next 10 to 15 years.

Plans include designing new housing and space for new retail in the area south of the town centre and housing at Back o’ th’ Moss and Heady Hill estates.  The Mutual Mills site is also being suggested to create living, business and community spaces.  The idea for a new relief road south of the town, joining the M62 and M66 at some time in the future, is also being suggested.

These exciting plans have been agreed for consultation by community representatives who have made up a Steering Group containing local Councillors, Resident Directors from New Heart for Heywood and board members from Heywood Housing Partnership.

Local resident and Chair of the Steering Group, Malcolm Olive said “We hope that the community agrees the need for some radical change, which won’t be easy for those affected by the proposals.  However, the Steering Group recognise this and are ready to offer our support and realise these proposals are needed if Heywood is to develop and grow into a sustainable community for the current and future residents of Heywood”

Several consultation events were held in October, including local events for those potentially most affected. Representatives from the agencies involved were on hand to offer advice and an information pack containing a newsletter, detailed letter and information sheets was hand delivered to households who could be affected by redevelopment.

Ellen Wintle-Yates, Resident Director of New Heart for Heywood agreed that this may be a worrying time for residents.  However, she was confident that all the Partner Agencies involved in this process will be on hand to give support; advice and detailed information to residents.  Ellen would also like to re-assure residents that during the consultations, all views, both positive and negative are encouraged.

The whole project looks at developing Heywood into a modern town that will be able to offer a mixture of housing for people to buy, rent or to share ownership, along with looking at developing areas for jobs and leisure, while also improving the town’s transport and road networks.

Colin Lambert Chair of Heywood Township said “There is a need for change in the town to attract employers who can make their business thrive and suitable accommodation for different family sizes and needs. These both go hand in hand and are the only way we can ensure the survival and development of Heywood”.

Information packs were sent out to residents and businesses in the south of the town centre area and Back o’ th’ Moss. There was also a consultation event on Saturday 13th October 2007, which was held in the T.O.P.S. (The Old Police Station) Business Centre on Hind Hill Street in Heywood.

The plans were developed by urban designers, Taylor Young for partners New Heart for Heywood, Heywood Housing Partnership, Heywood Township, Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

Letter To Residents ...

Proposals on plans to regenerate Back o’ th’ Moss & South of the Town Centre

As you may have read in Heartbeat, we have been working closely with residents and partners in Heywood on ideas to improve the whole of the town, including Back o’ th’ Moss and South of the Town Centre ... [Read More ... ]

Letter To Businesses ...

A Vision for the transformation of Heywood - Heywood SUN

Ideas for the transformation of areas around the town centre are being displayed at three local exhibitions. These give an early awareness of an option for the development of Heywood. Engaging with these aspirations early is the best way to get your views incorporated so I hope you will come along to give your input ... [Read More ...]

The SUN Newsletter ...

Page 1		Centre Pages		Page 4

Information Sheets ...

Information Sheet 1		- Advice for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Tenants
Information Sheet 2		- Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Tenants - Home Loss Compensation and Removal Costs
Information Sheet 3		- Advice for Owner Occupiers and Tenants - Who may want to buy a home?
Information Sheet 4		- Home owners and private tenants - Home loss compensation - Disturbance allowance including removal costs
Information Sheet 5		- Advice if you rent from a Private Landlord

Other Useful Links ...

		We would all like to be part of a safe, prosperous and healthy community. A community where everyone has the right to the same opportunities, freedom and respect. Somewhere we can be proud of. Communities and Local Government is working hard to create thriving, sustainable, vibrant communities that improve everyone's quality of life. [Read More ...]