An update on our regeneration plans for College Bank - 22 October 2025

On Wednesday 22 October, we informed all customers in College Bank that they will need to move out of all seven blocks over the coming months, due to building safety concerns. 

This was a very difficult decision that is wholly focused on securing the long-term safety of residents in College Bank.  

We know this will be deeply unsettling for many people living in College Bank, and we are sorry for the uncertainty and delays they have experienced over a number of years. 

This update comes after detailed independent surveys, undertaken on each of the seven buildings over the past few months, found a range of issues that mean the long-term safety of the buildings in their current state cannot be confirmed.  

The surveys have also confirmed that residents will need to move out regardless of whether a decision is made to refurbish or demolish the blocks. 

This news comes before a decision on the future regeneration plans for the College Bank site. The way forward will be decided before the end of the year by the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) Board, with input from the College Bank Task Force, who have been working with RBH over several months.  

However, all of the options being explored, including refurbishment, will require residents to move out of their homes while any works take place, due to ageing and deterioration of the blocks.  This is true whether the blocks are refurbished, or fully or partially demolished and replaced with new homes. 

Our team have been in touch with all customers in College Bank and drop-in sessions are being held throughout this week and next, where everyone can speak to our teams in person. We are here to help. 

 If you live in College Bank and want to speak to the team, you can also contact us on towncentre.regen@rbh.org.uk or by calling Freephone 0800 027 7769.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

Why are you moving customers out of College Bank? 
Independent experts have carried out detailed surveys on each of the seven blocks at College Bank.  

These surveys have now finished and they’ve told us that there are a number of issues which mean that the long-term safety of the buildings in their current state cannot be confirmed. Without significant investment and extensive ongoing works, these issues could affect the safety and quality of life of our customers.  

This information has been considered by the Board of RBH, whose role it is to ensure that everyone who lives in our homes is living in an environment that is free of hazards and safe at all times.   

This is why we are asking residents to start moving out of College Bank over the coming months. You might also hear this process described as a "decant.” 

We know that this news will come as a shock to many people. We are contacting all customers individually, explaining why we've had to make this decision, what happens next, and the significant support we will provide to help them move.  

What did the independent surveys say? 
Structural, engineering and ground investigations were carried out, and these will inform a decision on the future of the blocks by the end of the year.  

Many safety concerns were raised, including structural and electrical issues, problems with the water pumping system, roof damage and the ever-increasing costs for customers to heat and light their homes. 

Whilst a decision has not been made on the future of College Bank, all of the options being explored, including refurbishment, will require customers to move out of their homes.  This applies to whether we decide to refurbish the existing blocks or fully or partially demolish them and replace them with new homes.   

We understand this is contrary to the conversations had previously, when it was suggested that people could stay in their homes should a refurbishment scenario be the chosen way forward.   

The surveys have confirmed that the ageing in the structure of the buildings makes this impossible.  

What happens now?  
Customers do not need to move out immediately. Our teams have been in touch with all of them individually and we are discussing how we can support everybody during the process.  

Everyone living in College Bank has also been supplied with details of the financial support available, including the payments they can receive from us for home loss and disturbance.   

What is happening to the blocks in the future? 
No decision has yet been made on our regeneration plans for College Bank.   

We continue to work on the various scenarios available to us and the Board of RBH will have made this decision by the end of the year. 

Will residents be compensated? How much will it be and when will it be paid?  
RBH customers who have lived in their property for a period of 12 months or more will receive a Home Loss Payment of £8,100 per household (this amount is set by the Government) and we will support them with moving costs. Once they have moved into their new home, we will process the payment. This information has been shared with all residents.   

Anyone who moves out will not have to pay the Home Loss Payment back.  

We will keep everyone informed throughout the process. 
  

Will there be any other financial support available?  
A disturbance payment compensates people for the costs incurred when moving from their current home to a new home. Each household will have unique needs, so these costs will be specific to them.   

RBH are legally required to cover reasonable costs that are incurred, such as:   

  • Change of address costs  

  • Redirection of mail  

  • Driving license update fees  

  • Utility transfer fees 

  • Contract fees for change of location or early exit fees  

Where will residents go? 
There are a range of rehousing options available, and we will work with all customers to meet their needs.  

Options include: 

• Moving to another RBH rented home 

• Moving to a home owned by another registered provider, such as rented or through shared ownership  

• Renting a home from a private landlord

• Moving in with family or friends    

What does this mean for people who own their own flats? 
We understand those who own flats in College Bank will be feeling uncertain and we are committed to supporting them.  

We’ll buy their home at full market value and work with them to discuss their housing needs and give any support people need finding a new one.  

Our teams will be on hand to discuss the support packages available, tailored to their needs, both from RBH and other organisations.