{"id":351,"date":"2010-03-30T12:44:47","date_gmt":"2010-03-30T12:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.phillconnell.com\/blog\/?p=351"},"modified":"2017-01-12T04:35:57","modified_gmt":"2017-01-12T04:35:57","slug":"kingsway-business-park-for-gods-sake-come-to-rochdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phillconnell.com\/blog\/kingsway-business-park-for-gods-sake-come-to-rochdale\/","title":{"rendered":"Kingsway Business Park – For Gods Sake Come to Rochdale<\/b>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nice Ride, Shame About the Emptiness<\/h2>\n

Last weekend, we had a family ride around the bike paths that encircle and crisscross Kingsway Business Park<\/a>, which is apparently<\/p>\n

one of the biggest, highest quality and most strategically important new commercial property developments of its kind in the UK.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This quote, of course, is taken the official website of the development.\u00a0 In truth (and this is just my opinion for legal reasons<\/em>) the development is a sad white elephant and a shameful reflection of how bad\u00a0governance can render a fantastic idea useless.<\/p>\n

On the one hand, you’d think that combining the North West Regional\u00a0Development Agency, Rochdale Council, Rochdale Development Agency and private developers would be a powerful mix.\u00a0 On the other hand, a committee approach to the development seems to have produced a vast, flattened landscape bisected by excellent roads and wonderful cycle paths.\u00a0 The vital ingredient seems to be missing…<\/p>\n

Where Are The Bloody Businesses?<\/h2>\n

From what I can gather, planning the Business Park took years longer than was anticipated.\u00a0 Throughout 20 years of a constantly-growing economy, Rochdale Councillors and regional groups debated the best way of moving the development forwards.\u00a0 Years passed.\u00a0 Tree-hugging sandal-wearers fought the cause for the\u00a0local wildlife because, seemingly, the poorly-draining farmland was a haven for some creatures that liked living in boggy fields.\u00a0 Years passed…<\/p>\n

Then, eventually, work began.\u00a0 Roads were built.\u00a0 houses were bulldozed.\u00a0 Listed buildings were compulsoriuly purchased at great expense.\u00a0 The one which was earmarked to be the new pub in the middle of the Business Park was, last weekend, partially burnt down by vandals because of course it’s still empty.<\/p>\n

Then, with perfectly ironic timing, the economy crashed.\u00a0 Businesses either stopped expanding, or reined-in spending either to protect themselves from the new risks, or because they couldn’t get mortgages against new property.\u00a0 Foreign businesses stopped looking to move into the UK… the global business outlook grew dim.\u00a0 Kingsway Business Park was all dressed up, with nowhere to go and almost nobody to move in.<\/p>\n

Green Shoots<\/h2>\n

In fairness, there’s a small cluster of a few buildings alongside the motorway at the Minrow end of the development.\u00a0 I sincerely hope we’ll see someone else move in soon.\u00a0 It’s strangely saddening to be able to enjoy quiet cycle paths intersecting the former farmland between Milnrow and Oldham Road: an expanse of short grass and compacted rubble where formerly cattle roamed and houses stood.<\/p>\n

For once, I’m not that grateful for the unbroken great outdoors.\u00a0 Rochdale needs the jobs; our kids need the prospects.<\/p>\n

\"Road<\/a><\/p>\n

But for now, my kids love the traffic-free fun and openness.\u00a0 Every cloud, I suppose….<\/p>\n

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