The area around Rochdale station could be transformed in a multi-million-pound scheme and the local council has submitted a planning application for the work.

A new public square forms the centrepiece of the area and 1,000 new homes could be brought to the area alongside a new green space.

The housing, known as Station Gardens, was part of the recent levelling up bid that was rejected by the government, but Rochdale Borough Council says it plans to forge ahead and is currently looking at alternative ways of delivering the scheme.

A new ‘pocket park’ is set to be created using the disused platforms at Rochdale station, with designers due to be consulted alongside community groups in the coming months.

If planning is approved, work on Station Square should start later in 2023.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “Station Square is a really important part of the borough and the first place many of our visitors see when they arrive. At the moment, it’s an underwhelming space, which does little to hint at the fantastic town centre and wider area which lies just beyond.

“By relocating traffic from directly in front of the station, we’ll create a really attractive space where people can relax and enjoy the area and businesses will benefit from the extra footfall and space. It will also better connect it to the town centre and enable people to get around more easily and sustainably.”