Rochdale Borough Council and the RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) have named Manchester-based BDP as the winners of the design competition to transform the town centre and complement plans to reopen the River Roch.
Architects, one from as far afield as Canada, submitted plans to revamp the area around the Butts where the river will be exposed as well as other parts of the town centre.
BDP, who successfully fought off a strong shortlist which included Adam Khan Architects, Atkins, Bauman Lyons and Land Use Consultants, won with a design which included glass viewing platforms to allow visitors to see the exposed bridges in more detail as well as extensive greenery around the site.
The competition was launched to improve the look of the town centre and better connect the two sides of the river once it has been reopened. It will also ensure that the area around the newly reopened river is sympathetic to its heritage features.