The ambitious Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme has reached a significant milestone, with substantial progress being made on critical elements of the project, further securing the future of hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. This multi-million-pound undertaking, a vital response to the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015, is steadily transforming flood resilience in this part of Greater Manchester.
The scheme itself is a comprehensive and multi-faceted flood defence programme designed to better protect 723 homes and 489 businesses across Rochdale and Littleborough. In Littleborough specifically, the project will safeguard 337 homes and 185 non-residential properties. Its measures include the construction of a new flood storage reservoir at Gale, sections of linear flood defences both upstream and downstream along the River Roch, and modifications to existing defences. The project also incorporates improvements to culverts and bridges in areas such as Greenvale Brook, Town House Brook, Ealees Brook, Buckley Brook, and Hey Brook, alongside significant environmental enhancements like woodland creation and extensive tree and hedge planting.
The latest significant milestone achieved on the Littleborough phase (Phase 1) is the nearing completion of the Gale West Outlet structure, a crucial component of the new flood storage reservoir. This involves the ongoing construction of the concrete culvert which will form the outlet for the reservoir. Additionally, landscaping works are complete at Riverstone Bridge, with permanent fencing now installed. There has also been successful deployment of an innovative "rain-ready" wastewater management system during construction, utilising settlement ponds and Silt Capture Channels to treat silty water before discharge into the River Roch, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This proactive approach to water management on-site was recognised with a National Green Champion Award at the 2024 Green Apple Awards.
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This vital scheme is a collaborative effort led by the Environment Agency, working in close partnership with Rochdale Borough Council. Key delivery partners include VolkerStevin as the principal contractor, along with support from Network Rail, the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Transport for Greater Manchester, the Department for Education, and the Department for Transport. This broad partnership underscores the complex and integrated nature of modern flood risk management.
Looking ahead, the focus remains firmly on progressing the remaining elements of the Littleborough scheme (Phase 1B) and preparing for the next major phase in Rochdale (Phase 2). At Gale West, once the concrete construction of the outlet structure is complete, backfilling with earth will commence. The contractor is also expected to finalise construction at the Spillway Stilling basin by the end of the month, allowing for the reinstatement of flows in Greenvale Brook into the newly formed channels. At Gale East, the site setup continues, with piling for the temporary cofferdam for the reservoir diversion structure due to begin shortly. This structure will play a critical role in diverting flows from Greenvale Brook into the main reservoir storage in Gale West. Detailed design work for Rochdale Phase 2 is anticipated to commence in March 2026, with construction then following, subject to planning permission and potential adjustments to the timeline. The overall scheme is currently slated for completion by late 2025 for the Littleborough phases, with the entire Rochdale and Littleborough scheme aiming for completion by 2029. The continued commitment to community engagement and transparent communication will remain a priority as these vital works progress, ensuring residents and businesses are kept fully informed.
[Image credit: Bardhok Ndoji / shutterstock.com]