On Tuesday 19th May, despite the rain and traffic, a group of Rochdalians came together for the first Let’s Talk About Our Spaces conversation, held at The Hive, Million Pavilion in Balderstone Park.
Individuals gathered to talk about the places that shape everyday life across the borough.
The group was a cross-section of people with a love for Rochdale. Residents, community leaders, local businesses and volunteers – all sharing their perspectives, discussing what’s already happening across the borough and exploring how Rochdale’s streets, parks, buildings and public spaces can better serve everyone.
Roy Down, Vice Chair at Rochdale in Bloom said: “It really felt like we had the right people in the room to properly reimagine Rochdale’s spaces.”
Throughout the evening, there was a real sense that this conversation was only the beginning. As ideas continue to develop, we’d love to see this growing network of people, organisations and communities continue to expand. Details of how to get involved are at the end of this blog.
The Conversation
Phil Treaton, Head of Neighbourhoods at Groundwork Greater Manchester, spoke about the power of communities coming together to shape the places they want to see. He reflected on how small-scale, community-led action can create lasting impact – from the community space and café, to the skate park, to Balderstone park itself.
Phil highlighted how these spaces are all connected, and what can be achieved when people rally around a shared vision. These community assets aren’t just well used, they’ve become places that bring people together, create opportunities and strengthen local pride.
Throughout the evening, conversations were filled with honesty, energy and practical ideas.
Richard Ronksley, CEO at Altus, captured the spirit of the evening well:
“I think this was wonderful. It was a real opportunity for people from different backgrounds, communities and organisations to come together and start bringing together some of the ideas, resources and spaces that exist across this wonderful borough. We can use these in a more cohesive and strategic way to benefit all our communities, rather than leaving them criminally unused.”
That sense of collaboration ran through the evening. The group wasn’t just talking about what’s missing. They were looking at what already exists, and how things could be better connected and utilised.
Opening Up Rochdale’s Green Spaces
One of the themes throughout the conversation was access to nature.
People spoke about the value of Rochdale’s parks, green spaces and natural environments, and the difference they make to wellbeing, community connection and everyday life. Ogden Reservoir was highlighted as a space with real potential if access could be improved. There was also recognition of the impact of initiatives such as Rochdale in Bloom and City of Trees, which show what can happen when people actively invest in nature.
Springfield and Newbold parks were mentioned as great existing spaces that could be used more creatively and more often.
There was pride in what already exists, alongside a shared sense that there is still more to do.
Rethinking The Spaces We Already Have
Alongside green space, there was a strong focus on making better use of buildings and spaces that already exist across Rochdale. Empty or underused buildings were seen not as lost causes, but as opportunities.
One idea that sparked discussion was transforming closed pubs into community spaces – bringing together local groups, businesses and residents under one roof. Spotland Mill was referenced as a great example of what can happen when spaces are reactivated with purpose and collaboration.
There was also a broader question about access. Could schools, businesses and other facilities open their doors more often once the main day is finished? Could more spaces adopt an open-door approach that benefits the wider community?
Sometimes the most powerful ideas start with looking again at what is already there.
Creating Spaces Where Young People Thrive
Young people were a consistent theme throughout the evening.
Many individuals spoke about the lack of places where young people can spend time safely, freely and positively. Some reflected that bus shelters have become informal meeting points because there are few alternatives. There was a shared sense that this needs to change.
Ideas ranged from free sports provision and youth hubs to creative spaces where young people can build confidence, skills and relationships.
One of the most discussed ideas was a network of connected youth spaces across Rochdale, ensuring safe, welcoming spaces linked together through a mobile community hub designed around the needs of young people.
Spaces For Creativity And Connection
The conversation also explored the role of arts and culture in bringing people together. Rochdale has a rich musical history, but people reflected on how many accessible creative spaces have been reduced over time.
Skylight Circus Arts shared an idea for outdoor creative spaces where young people can explore performance, imagination and expression in open and accessible ways. Other ideas included children’s play spaces designed with children, parents and carers in mind, community hubs combining education and growing spaces.
Some ideas were ambitious. Others were simple and practical. All of them came from lived experience and local insight. What connected them was a shared belief that good spaces don’t just exist – they bring people together.
What Stays With You After A Conversation Like This
The ideas matter, but so does the feeling in the room.
People stayed, listened and built on each other’s thinking. They challenged ideas, added detail, and helped shape concepts into something more real.
There was an agreement that Rochdale doesn’t lack ideas, or spaces – it has them in abundance.
When people come together like this, something shifts. Conversations turn into connections and ideas start to feel possible. That’s where change begins.
A huge thank you to The Hive for hosting us so warmly. A special mention to Gemma, who whipped up a freshly baked cheese and onion pie during the evening that smelt absolutely incredible – needless to say, we’ll definitely be back.
Thank you also to Phil for setting the scene and to everyone who attended and made the conversation so meaningful.
Get Involved
If you have ideas to share or would like to join a Let’s Talk About conversation, we’d love to hear from you. For more information please email Ben at ben@our-future.io.
